Richard Sterne might be hogging the headlines after a birdie-rich 63 to lead the Joburg Open, but top Australian amateur Brady Watt went one better than the five-time European Tour winner in today’s second round of the Ten Nations Cup in George.

The 22-year-old Royal Perth golfer blitzed the par-72 layout at Kingswood Golf Estate in 12 pars, six birdies and two eagles for a 10 under 62 to take command of the individual leaderboard.

Watt’s superb effort - supported by 70s from team-mates Geoff Drakeford, Lucas Herbert and Ryan Ruffels - also helped Australia make up a 14 shot deficit with a total score of 202 that bumped the team into a share of the overall lead with Scotland on 14-under-418.

Wednesday’s opening round of the inaugural Ten Nations Cup in George delivered a promising start for New Zealand, flair from French teenager Paul Ellisade, frustration for the host nation and an 18^th hole ace that wiped out a maddening round for English amateur Jamie Rutherford.

At one stage or the other, all nine competing nations had a taste of the lead at Kingswood Golf Estate, but in the closing stages, it was the Kiwis that edged ahead to top the leaderboard at seven-under-par 209, two shots clear of Scotland.

Nobuhle Dlamini from Centurion Golf Club is more determined than ever to retain the trophies.

Top South African golfers Haydn Porteous, Zander Lombard, Dylan Raubenheimer and Louis Taylor have declared themselves ready to challenge for a home victory at the inaugural Ten Nations Cup in George this week.

The Ten Nations Cup is an amalgamation of the biennial Four Nations Cup and the Southern Cross Trophy and will be contested between South Africa, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina and Colombia at Kingswood Country Club from 6-9 February.