The Cheetahs stormed into a 26-0 lead at one stage at the Toyota Stadium, before the Lions clawed their way back to within two points at 33-31 with just ten minutes to play. But a late surge from the Free Staters turned the tide at a crucial moment and secured a vital bonus-point win.

Hooker Marko Janse van Rensburg opened the scoring when he powered over from a maul, before bagging his brace minutes later to give the hosts the perfect start.

Prince Nkabinde tackling Angelo Davids. Photo: Morgan Piek

Former Lions winger Prince Nkabinde, making his long-awaited return from a fractured thumb, dived over spectacularly in the right-hand corner to stretch the Cheetahs’ lead. He went on to be named Man of the Match, proving instrumental in the Free Staters’ strong finish.

Veteran fullback Clayton Blommetjies, also in fine form, dotted down for the bonus-point try before half-time. Gianni Lombard finally got the Lions on the board just before the break, leaving the score at 26-5 in the Cheetahs’ favour.

The Lions came out firing in the second half of the must-win clash. Morné Brandon scored first after the restart, but the Cheetahs hit back through Michael Annies, himself returning from injury, who finished in the left-hand corner.

The visitors then crossed three more times through Angelo Davids, Nico Steyn, and Rynhardt Jonker to close the gap to just two points. With the Cheetahs reduced to 14 men after Franco Smith was sent to the sin bin, the Lions looked set to snatch the lead.

But just as the momentum swung their way, Nkabinde stole the ball and hacked it downfield. In the ensuing chase, the Lions conceded a penalty try after illegally slapping the ball from lock Juan Venter’s hands at the back of a ruck. Replacement scrumhalf Jandré Nel then sealed the result with a try under the posts five minutes from time.

Speaking after the game, Cheetahs captain Victor Sekekete told OFM Sport belief and patience were key.

“The message leaving the change room was to back each other.”  

Marko Janse van Rensburg celebrating his second try. Photo: Morgan Piek

“That’s been the mindset we’ve wanted for the past four weeks, and it’s finally coming together. Tonight was more of a patience game, and we stuck to it.”

The Cheetahs now turn their attention to the Suzuki Griquas, whom they face in Bloemfontein on Friday. Before then, the Peacock Blues will be in action against the Bulls in Pretoria on Sunday afternoon.

Scorers:

Cheetahs: Tries – Marko Janse van Rensburg 2, Prince Nkabinde, Clayton Blommetjies, Michael Annies, Penalty Try, Jandré Nel Conv. – Cohen Jasper, Blommetjies 3

Lions: Tries – Gianni Lombard, Morné Brandon, Angelo Davids, Nico Steyn, Rynhardt Jonker Conv. – Sam Francis 3

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg