The Cheetahs outclassed the Bulls with a 39-10 win to set the record straight from a year ago when they were beaten at the death by the Pumas.

The seasoned flyhalf Ruan Pienaar contributed with 22 points by landing six penalties and two conversions.

The Cheetahs’ three tries were scored by Reinhardt Fortuin, Tapiwa Mafura and Evardi Boshoff.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that reaching the final was a little big relief.

“It's a big relief, especially for myself,” said a visibly relieved Fourie.

“That loss against the Pumas last year took a long time for me to get over. I think I'm only over it now.

“This morning at five o'clock I woke up and I couldn't sleep again. All those things go into your head where we conceded two tries in the last ten minutes.

“It nearly happened again with that try that they didn't allow, with about 12 minutes to go.

“We are well conditioned which was a bit of problem last year. I think our bench makes a huge difference. The guys that come on lift the energy and the tempo.

“I was confident that if we could get ahead by half time, we would win the game.”

The Cheetahs will face the Pumas in the final in Bloemfontein Saturday. The defending champions beat a 14-man Sharks 26-20 at Kings’ Park in Durban to reach what is only their second final ever.

The kick-off for the final at the Toyota Stadium is set for 16:00.

Scorers:

Cheetahs: Tries – Reinhardt Fortuin, Tapiwa Mafura, Evardi Boshoff Conv. – Ruan Pienaar 2, Fortuin Pen. – Pienaar 6

Bulls: Tries – Johan Grobbelaar Conv. – Johan Goosen Pen. – Goosen

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport