A strong second-half performance earned the Cheetahs the winner’s cheque of R250 000 after trailing 20-17 to the Americans at the half time break.

The new Cheetahs hooker, Marko Janse van Rensburg, who was making his run-on debut for the team, scored a brace of tries as the home side crossed the whitewash on seven occasions.

The fullback Cohen Jasper and the new flanker, Sibabalo Qoma, scored the Cheetahs’ only tries in the opening 40-mintute period, while the loose-forward Jamason Fa'anana-Schultz and winger Christian Dyer dotted down for the visitors.

In the second half, the new winger, Munier Hartzenberg, scored his first try for the Cheetahs, before Janse van Rensburg struck with a double-score in quick succession.

Jeandré Rudolph scored for the Cheetahs mere second after coming onto the park as replacement.

The Springbok winger and Sevens stalwart scored a superb try for the Cheetahs before the replacement Tavite Lopeti scored a consolation try for the determined Americans.

The Cheetahs captain, Victor Sekekete, sealed the deal for the Cheetahs on the stroke of full time.

Next week Friday the USA Falcons will tackle the Currie Cup champions, the Pumas, while the Cheetahs will be in action against the Griquas.

Cheetahs: Tries – Cohen Jasper, Sibabalo Qoma, Munier Hartzenberg, Marko Janse van Rensburg 2, Jeandré Rudolph, Rosko Specman, Victor Sekekete Conv – Frans Steyn, Ruan Pienaar 4 Pen. –  Pienaar

USA Falcons: Tries - Jamason Fa'anana-Schultz, Christian Dyer, Tavite Lopeti Conv. – Luke Carty 2 Pen. – Carty 2

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport