The reigning champions seized command of proceedings in Johannesburg on Friday by scoring five tries in the first half alone.

Further scores from Anthony Volmink and Kwagga Smith - the latter's second of the match - brought up Golden Lions' half-century after the interval and left WP facing a humiliating defeat.

To their credit, the visitors responded by scoring three of the game's remaining four tries, Jacques Vermeulen's second enough to secure a bonus point.

Yet Golden Lions were still comprehensive winners, having crossed on eight occasions in an ominous display of their title credentials.