It was a proper grind for the Free Staters, who led 7-0 at half-time, but had to hold on for a nervy win against the defending champions. Cheetahs eighth-man Neels Volschenk opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a try. 

It was just as Sharks lock Corne Rahl was shown a yellow card and sent to the sin bin for ten minutes. Winger Ntokozo Makhaza slotted the conversion to give the visitors a seven-point cushion.

The defending champions showed plenty of stubbornness, which meant the Bloemfontein outfit were unable to add to their tally. This missed opportunity ultimately cost them top spot on the log.

Ntokozo Makhaza. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Sharks’ determination was eventually rewarded when Phatu Ganyane (22) crossed for an unconverted try in the 65th minute.

While the Cheetahs never looked entirely out of control, they had to cling on for dear life to ensure they climbed on the bus home with four valuable log points. They managed just that, with the scoreline unchanged, moving them up to second place.

Earlier in the day at Loftus Versfeld, the Pumas stunned the Bulls on their home turf to storm to the top of the table. The Pumas ran in seven tries, thumping the previously unbeaten Bulls 41-7 to move ahead of the Cheetahs on points difference.

While the Cheetahs will be satisfied with the result, they’ll no doubt reflect on an unconvincing performance as they turn their attention to Western Province. Despite Province suffering three heavy defeats on the trot, they will pose a challenge in Saturday’s clash in Bloemfontein.

The Sharks continue their winless streak in the #CurrieCup ?? pic.twitter.com/IEzdvFaBVD

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) August 9, 2025

The Cheetahs enjoyed about 68% of the possession against the Sharks, while they also enjoyed their advantage in the territory battle. But errors in the opposition's 22 nearly bit them hard.

For the Sharks, while it was by far their best performance in the Currie Cup thus far, the defeat may just have spelled the end of their title defence as the competition is just a single round this season.

Meanwhile, on Sunday at 15:00, the Boland Cavaliers will tackle the unbeaten Lions at the Boland Stadium in Wellington.

Scorers:

Sharks:  Try – Phatu Ganyane

Cheetahs: Try – Neels Volschenk Conv. – Ntokozo Makhaza

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg