Over the weekend the Cheetahs were clinical during their 53-31 drubbing of the Pumas, but are the first to admit that the second half was way off par.

The Bulls in their turn were made to work hard for a 30-23 win over the Griquas at Loftus Versfeld.

Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that the second half discipline will be important.

“We had the Bulls game in mind because it is a short turnaround to Friday.

“After half time when I felt we had the game in the bag, I made the substitutions. The guys that went onto the field played quite well. But, as a team, we made too many mistakes and our discipline let us down.

On the debutants that played against the Pumas, Fourie, was also happy with their performance.

“Frans (Steyn) played well, he controlled the game, he kicked well tactically and made a few big hits on defence. Andisa (Ntsila) played well, especially at the breakdown. We won a few turnovers and a penalty.

“Chucky (Van der Westhuizen) was a bit unlucky with that penalty, and I understand why Jaco (Peyper) had to give him the yellow card. The attacker (Daniel Maartens) jumped into the air, so it’s difficult to bring him down safely. I feel a bit sorry for him. He would have liked to have had a different game in his first one for us.”

Friday evening’s game between the Cheetahs and the Bulls at the Toyota Stadium will kick-off at 19:00.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport