The Cheetahs ran riot at Toyota Stadium in their must-win SA Cup Round 8 clash against the team from East London, racking up a dominant 106–7 victory to book their spot in the semi-finals. This after leading the game 47-0 at halftime.

In Wellington, the Pumas edged a determined Boland Cavaliers side 34–32 to maintain their unbeaten run. However, the result eased pressure on the Cheetahs, who are now five points clear of Hawies Fourie’s charges with one round to go. The big win also handed the Free Staters a significantly better points difference.

James Verity-Amm scored a hat-trick of tries and landed six conversions. Photo: Morgan Piek

Arguably, the most important result of the weekend came in Gqeberha, where Eastern Province stunned the Griffons with a 20–14 win. The Griffons now face a must-win clash against the Pumas in Welkom next week, while hoping EP can repeat their heroics to give the Northern Free State side a shot at qualification.

While the Cheetahs racked up what could be described as a cricket score against the Bulldogs, they admitted they weren’t entirely satisfied with their performance, describing the match as frustrating and riddled with unforced errors.

There were, however, several positives. Outside back James Verity-Amm scored a hat-trick of tries in his first game back in over a year and impressed with his kicking from the tee with six conversions. Flyhalf George Lourens continued his excellent form, while debutant Tiaan Swanepoel slotted in seamlessly, even dotting down for a try in his first outing for the ‘Blikore’, while also landing six conversions.

The biggest takeaway for the side is their qualification for the Currie Cup. Captain Victor Sekekete told OFM Sport that it’s a massive relief, although the team always believed in themselves.

“Yeah, I think we never doubted it as players – it was a dramatic start to the season and everyone had to stay sharp,” Sekekete said.

Tiaan Swanepoel scored 17 points on debut for the Cheetahs. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Getting everyone on the same page about our goals and how we’d reach them helped settle things. Credit to the players – they took responsibility to get us here. Things can settle down a bit now, but that doesn’t mean we relax.

“This is where we need to push even harder because the games only get tougher from here – whether it’s the Currie Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, or whatever the future holds.”

Meanwhile, questions remain around whether 41-year-old loosehead prop Schalk Ferreira has played his final game. He has hinted that retirement may be on the horizon, though nothing has been confirmed.

Ferreira scored the Cheetahs’ first try of the match and attempted a conversion on the stroke of half-time – a kick that missed by mere inches. It’s often tradition for a forward to take a conversion in their final game.

Carel-Jan Coetzee. Photo: Morgan Piek

When asked about the moment, Ferreira was cryptic, neither confirming nor denying that he’s hanging up his boots. “Best job in the world, feeling very blessed,” the veteran front-rower told OFM Sport.

The Cheetahs now head to Kimberley, where they’ll face the defending champions, the Suzuki Griquas, next week in the final round before the semi-finals.

Cheetahs: Tries - Schalk Ferreira, James Verity-Amm 3, Jandré Nel, Michael Annies, Andisa Ntsila, Prince Nkabinde 2, Penalty Try, Marko Janse van Rensburg, Jeandré Rudolph, Tiaan Swanepoel, Carel-Jan Coetzee, Marco Jansen van Vuren Conv. - Verity-Amm 6, Swanepoel 6

Border: Try - Hlomla Payi Conv. - Max Klaasen

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg