The Free Staters ran in five tries to move up to 16 log points, but ill-discipline once again nearly proved to be their Achilles heel. Reduced to 13 men in the dying stages, the Cheetahs had to dig deep, showing character and composure to hold on for a vital victory.

Their cause was boosted in Mbombela, where the Lions edged the Pumas 36–35, clearing the way for the seven-time champions to claim pole position in the standings.

Neels Volschenk and Gideon van Wyk. Photo: Morgan Piek

Cohen Jasper opened the scoring for the hosts in the 9th minute before Jurie Matthee slotted a penalty to get Province on the board. Flanker Mihlali Mosi, back in Cheetahs colours after his stint with the Bulls, powered over in the 25th minute to stretch the lead to nine points.

Province hit back just before half-time through a well-worked try by right wing Shilton van Wyk, converted by Matthee, narrowing the deficit to 12–10 at the break.

The Cheetahs came out firing in the second half, with hooker Banie Britz diving over in the corner for their third try. Young lock Juan Venter, playing in just his second Currie Cup game, then crossed for his first senior try to secure the bonus point.

Banie Britz. Photo: Morgan Piek 

The lead ballooned to 21 points when in-form eighth-man Neels Volschenk stormed over for the Cheetahs’ fifth try.

But Province weren’t done yet. Jared Africa and replacement forward Enos Ndiao both dotted down as the visitors launched a late comeback. The pressure mounted further when centre Marco Jansen van Vuren was shown a red card – the result of a second yellow for deliberate knockdowns.

Moments later, replacement hooker Marko Janse van Rensburg was sent to the sin bin for cynical play, a decision that looked incredibly harsh on replay. Province thought they had levelled matters when replacement scrumhalf Ezekiel Ngobeni crossed, but the try was chalked off for a knock-on earlier in the build-up.

Down to 13 men and under siege, the Cheetahs somehow weathered the storm and clung on for a famous win built on sheer guts and determination.

Following the game, Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn told OFM Sport despite the discipline issues in the game, his team showed heart and fight, which is pleasing to him.

“I think everybody gave their best today – the heart they showed, I can’t fault that, and that’s what it’s about.” 

Rewan Kruger. Photo: Morgan Piek

“If you show heart, I’ll take that any day. Even if they’d given us two more yellow cards, I’d be fine with it – because the fight was there. Against everything, I’m happy.

We scored some great tries, and obviously, there are lessons. We need to fix a few things, but they came hard at us in the end – they wanted Province to win.”

The Cheetahs will be back in action at home in round five when they host the Lions in Bloemfontein.

Scorers:

Cheetahs: Tries – Cohen Jasper, Mihlali Mosi, Barnie Britz, Juan Venter, Neels Volschenk Conv. – Jasper 3

Western Province: Tries – Shilton van Wyk, Jared Africa, Enos Ndiao Conv. – Jurie Matthee, Tristan Leyds 2 Pen. – Matthee

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg