The Cheetahs entered the game with a third straight bonus point as the goal and they managed to do just that by absolutely mauling the Bulls side. Although the franchise's best players are in Ireland to face Ulster in the URC, a strong team was still sent to Bloemfontein to gain ground in the Currie Cup.

In the 19th minute, Gideon van der Merwe opened the scoreboard for the Cheetahs with the first try of the game followed by a conversion from Ruan Pienaar gaining the team a 10-0 lead.

Thereafter, the Bulls fought back with a try from Jan-Hendrik Wessels and a conversion from Franco Knoetze, taking the score to 10-7 but the excitement was short lived as soon after, the Bulls were dealt a blow by means of eighth-man, Muller Uys’ yellow card. 

The second try for the Cheetahs game, leading into the break, was secured by hooker, Marnus van der Merwe, taking the home side to a 17-7 lead into half-time. 

A clinical second half saw the Cheetahs secure a further 3 tries from Munier Hartzenberg, who was set up by Reinhardt Fortuin, replacement lock Sibabalo Qoma as well as Cohen Jasper. Qoma’s try was followed by one more conversion from Ruan Pienaar taking the team to a bonus point victory of 32-7.

Cheetahs flyer, Daniel Kasende, who stunned throughout the game, made instrumental runs in the second half, eventually leading to the support necessary for fullback, Cohen Jasper, to bag the team’s fifth and victorious try of the evening. 

Try Scorers

CHEETAHS: 

Tries - Gideon van der Merwe, Marnus van der Merwe, Munier Hartzenberg, Sibabalo Qoma, Cohen Jasper

Conversions - Ruan Pienaar (2)

Penalty - Pienaar

BULLS: 

Try - Jan-Hendrik Wessels

Conversion - Franco Knoetze

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport