The Cheetahs scrumhalf Jandré Nel marked his first appearance of the campaign with a sensational four-try haul, as the Free Staters surged to the top of the log. It’s the second time this year that Nel has scored four tries in a game after doing as well in the 69-0 win against the Leopards in Bloemfontein during the SA Cup in March.

While the Pumas opened the scoring on a chilly Bloemfontein evening, the home side, who had suffered a defeat to the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington the previous week, responded with a commanding first-half performance to lead 28–13 at the break and secure the all-important bonus point.

Neels Volschenk. Photo: Morgan Piek

Nel notched up a first-half hat-trick, while eighth-man Neels Volschenk, who delivered a standout performance of his own, crossed the whitewash for the bonus-point try.

For the visitors, Canadian international and former Grey College scrumhalf Ross Braude dotted down twice.

The Pumas applied more pressure in the second half and fought hard to keep the contest alive, despite what the scoreline may suggest. It was a far tighter affair on the field, with the game balanced on a knife’s edge at times.

Inside centre Carel-Jan Coetzee had a strong outing in a rare start for the hosts, and he was rewarded with a try in the second stanza.

Carel-Jan Coetzee. Photo: Morgan Piek

As the match drew to a close, former Griquas captain Sango Xamlashe and Wian van Niekerk both scored to bring the visitors within ten points and keep their hopes alive.

But Nel had the final say, dotting down in the 77th minute for his fourth try of the night to put the result beyond doubt and drive the final nail into the Pumas’ coffin.

After the game, Cheetahs captain Victor Sekekete told OFM Sport that a shift in mindset throughout the week had made the difference.

“I think coming out of the changeroom, the big thing for us this week was mindset,” said Sekekete.

“We really took advantage of that in the first half. We could have kicked the ball out and gone into the changeroom before the break, but the fact that we chose not to showed where our heads were at.

“That’s the mindset we want. But in the second half, not kicking out put us under pressure and gave them a bit of hope.

“So, I think if we just keep playing in their half, keep the ball, and play our running game – that’s what we’re aiming for.”

Ross Braude. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs’ attention now shifts to next Saturday’s (9/8) clash against the Sharks in Durban.

Meanwhile, this Saturday at 15:00, the Lions will host Western Province at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, followed by the Bulls entertaining the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria at 17:10.

On Sunday at 15:00, the Griquas will take on the Boland Cavaliers at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley.

Scorers:

Cheetahs: Tries – Jandré Nel 4, Neels Volschenk, Carel-Jan Coetzee Conv. – Tiaan Swanepoel 5, Cohen Jasper

Pumas: Tries – Ross Braude 2, Sango Xamlashe, Wian van Niekerk Conv. –Danrich Visage Pen. – Visagie

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg