The Cheetahs and the Sharks are both on 18 points but the team from the Free State have a points difference of 86.

The Bulls moved up to third following their 53-27 win over the Tafel Lager Griquas in Kimberley.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that it was important to move to the top.

“We knew in advance after the game between the Pumas and Sharks that if we get a bonus-point win with a margin of more than nine points then we would be on top of the log. That's where we want to be.

“To get that bonus point was our first aim and then work for the points difference. We achieved both of our goals.”

The Cheetahs did lose the services of the flyhalf Siya Masuku, lock Aidon Davis, flanker Gideon van der Merwe, and prop Alulutho Tshakweni, during the game in Bloemfontein.

Masuku suffered the ill-effects of a late hit on him, while Aidon Davis left the park after taking a shot on the hip-pointer.

Fourie added that at this game the injuries don't appear to be too serious and they should receive a clean bill of health for the next game.

“If you get a little knock on that hip again it is really sore. He is struggling to work properly. At least we have ten days until we play against Western Province, so hopefully, he will recover.

“You can recover from an injury like that within seven days and the medical team will have to do a proper job.

“Apart from Siya Masuku and Aidon, Gideon van der Merwe and Alulutho Tshakweni are fine.”

The Cheetahs game in the Currie Cup is on 16 March against the Western Province at the Toyota Stadium.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport