The Cheetahs attack in the game was as hot, if not hotter than the heat in Bloemfontein, and for a large part of the game, the visitors' defence was simply outclassed.

The scoring opened in the 3rd minute of the match when Rabz Maxwane grounded the ball for his 10th try of the campaign. The Cheetahs lead was short-lived as Paula Balekana struck back to hand the ascendency to Zebre a few minutes later.

From that moment it was all Cheetahs in the first half as they scored a further three tries courtesy of Malcolm Jaer, Sintu Manjezi, and Abongile Nonkontwana to hold a very healthy 26-7 lead at the break.

The Springbok, Ox Nche, got the scoreboard ticking in the second half when he powered his way over for a great try.

The South African-born Johan Meyer and Apisai Tauyavuca each scored a try within a few minutes to put Zebre back in striking distance at 33-21.

The Cheetahs replied with a Shaun Venter and Junior Pokomela each dotting down to open a 19-point cushion.

The Zebre captain, George Biagi, crashed over in the 62nd minute to earn a bonus point for his side.

The Cheetahs performance was somewhat soured when the replacement lock, Justin Basson, was red-carded in the 75th minute for flying into the breakdown with a shoulder and making contact with a Zebre players’ head. This was also the Cheetahs first-ever red card in the Pro14.

Venter dotted down under the posts with two minutes remaining on the clock to bring up the half-century for the Cheetahs. The final nail in the coffin was when the outside centre, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, flew over in the left corner for the Cheetahs ninth try.

The Cheetahs will look to make it four in a row next week Saturday when they host the Southern Kings in the second South African derby. This match at the Toyota Stadium will kick-off at 16:00.

Scorers: 

Cheetahs: Tries – Rabz Maxwane, Malcolm Jaer, Sintu Manjezi, Abongile Nonkontwana, Ox Nche, Shaun Venter 2, Junior Pokomela, Benhard Janse van Rensburg Conv. – Tian Schoeman 8  

Zebre: Tries – Paula Belakana, Johan Meyer, Apisai Tauyavuca, George Biagi Conv. – Carlo Canna 4

@MorganPiek OFM Sport