The Cheetahs spoiled the party for the Stormers in what was their first-ever match at their new home ground as they crossed the whitewash on four occasions, while the Stormers dotted down twice and were also awarded a penalty try.

The win did come at a cost, with Schalk Ferreira, Clayton Blommetjies and Reinhardt Fortuin all picking up injuries.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, says the win was a real grind.

“In the scrums, we really struggled until half-time. At the break, the forwards' coach, Izak van der Westhuizen, made a few changes and that helped.

“When we started getting more possession of the ball we were able to get ourselves back in the game.

“Having said all that, there was a period in the first half until the half-time break that we were under the pump.”

The teams now enjoy a longer than usual break with the tournament rules stipulating that the teams will have ten days off between matches.

The Cheetahs next face the Sharks in the series, with this match taking place at the Toyota Stadium on Tuesday, 9 March.

Scorers:

Stormers:  Tries - Tristan Leyds, Leolin Zas, Penalty Try Conv. – Kade Wolhuter 2 Pen. -  Kade Wolhuter 4.

Cheetahs:  Tries - Wilmar Arnoldi, Rosko Specman 3 Conv. - Frans Steyn 4 Pen. - Steyn 2.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport