The Cheetahs ran in six tries to beat the team from Limerick 40-16 and also secured a third straight bonus-point.

The first half, in particular, was rather scrappy but the Cheetahs found their rhythm in the second half to cap off a very important block of three matches before they go on to Ireland and Wales.

The scoring was opened in the 10th minute of the match when the Springbok loosehead prop, Ox Nche, crashed over for a try in what was his very last match for the Cheetahs.

The former Crusader, Tyler Blydendaal, got Munster on the board with a penalty 12 minutes later. The flyhalf doubled the score with a second penalty minutes later.

In the 33rd minute, the Cheetahs scored their second try courtesy of the flank, Junior Pokomela.

Blydendaal kept Munster within striking distance with a third penalty on the stroke of half time.

The New Zealand pivot struck the upright early in the second half as he attempted to level the scores, however, the Cheetahs launched a counter-attack which saw William Small-Smith score a try and swing the match.

The Cheetahs earned the bonus-point in the 56th minute following a strong lineout drive from a penalty, and it was the hooker, Joseph Dweba, who got up with the ball.

Sustained pressure led to a Cheetahs penalty in the Munster red zone with less than ten minutes on the clock. Rhyno Smith took a quick tap to send the replacement flanker, Jasper Wiese, powering over for the score.

Dan Goggin managed to slip through for a Munster try with five minutes left on the clock, but the Cheetahs struck back with Rhyno Smith scoring on the stroke of full time.

The win sees the Cheetahs retain their lead at the top of Conference A with 15 points, while for Munster it was their first defeat of the campaign.

The Cheetahs will enjoy a short break before going on tour to face Connacht, Scarlets, Cardiff Blues and Ospreys.

Cheetahs: Tries - Ox Nche, Junior Pokomela, William Small-Smith, Joseph Dweba, Jasper Wiese, Rhyno Smith Conv. - Ruan Pienaar 4, Tian Schoeman 1

Munster: Try - Dan Goggin Conv. - JJ Hanrahan 1 Pen. -  Tyler Bleydendaal 3

@MorganPiek OFM Sport