The match in the City of Roses, which was described as “a bit of a strange game” by the Cheetahs captain, saw the lead change hands several times, while no side really gained the ascendancy.

The Cheetahs raced to a 15-0 lead within the opening 10 minutes, before the Lions in turn scored 17 unanswered points to take the lead for the first time.

By half-time, the Cheetahs managed to regain the lead at 23-17.

The second stanza was very much the same as the first 40 minutes where it was a matter of each team scoring pretty much straight after the other.

Ultimately, it was the Lions flyhalf, Jordan Hendrikse, who had the last laugh with an easy 78th minute penalty to level matters and see the game ending in a draw.

The Cheetahs tries were scored by Pienaar, David Brits, Craig Barry, Chucky van der Westhuizen, Malcolm Jaer and Andisa Ntsila.

For the Lions, the former Cheetahs winger, Rabz Maxwane, dotted down for a brace of tries while Ruhan Straeuli, Jaco Visagie, Stean Pienaar and Burger Odendaal also crossed the whitewash.

Pienaar and Hendrikse each managed to successfully land four conversions and two penalties.

Following the high-tempo, high-scoring encounter, the Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that soft moments cost them the game.

“It was a bit of a mixed bag from our side. We attacked really well for the most of the game.

“Especially on the counterattack we were dangerous and we scored tries. We missed one or two opportunities and with soft moments we gave away tries to the Lions.

“Especially to Rabz (Maxwane). That was devastating and cost us the game. The efforts and the actions of defence wasn't up to scratch.”

The Cheetahs next match in the Currie Cup is scheduled for Sunday against the Sharks in Durban. The Cheetahs will find out on Thursday if the game is still on as there are Covid-19 cases in the Sharks camp.

Scorers:

Cheetahs: Tries – Ruan Pienaar, David Brits, Craig Barry, Chucky van der Westhuizen, Malcolm Jaer, Andisa Ntsila Conv. – Ruan Pienaar 4 Pen. – Pienaar 2

Lions: Tries – Ruhan Straeuli, Rabz Maxwane 2, Jaco Visagie, Stean Pienaar, Burger Odendaal Conv. – Jordan Hendrikse 4 Pen. – Hendrikse 2

@MorganPiek OFM Sport