Rugby
Belief growing in the Cheetahs as semis loom─── MORGAN PIEK 08:44 Mon, 25 Aug 2025
The Toyota Cheetahs remain at the top of the Currie Cup log after round five of the world’s oldest domestic rugby competition, and things are still tight as the semi-finals start to loom.
The Cheetahs beat the Lions 47-31 in Bloemfontein on Saturday after a superb first-half display that put them in a strong position to secure a home semi-final. That spot is far from guaranteed though, with clashes against the in-form Suzuki Griquas and the Bulls in Pretoria still to come.
Saturday’s victory at the Toyota Stadium ended a three-match losing streak against the Lions, last year’s semi-finalists. Still, it more importantly gave the Free Staters the belief that they are on the right track.
Marko Janse van Rensburg. Photo: Morgan Piek
The first half was arguably the Cheetahs’ best showing of the season, leaving coach Frans Steyn a happy man. While there are still areas to polish, the side is on a four-match unbeaten run – but their biggest challenge awaits this week against the Peacock Blues. The Griquas have already beaten the Cheetahs three times this year: twice in the SA Cup in Kimberley, and once in a warm-up game in Bultfontein.
Reflecting on the win, Steyn told OFM Sport that consistency is now the goal.
“Yes, I think so – for us it’s about putting that performance together for 80 minutes,” said the two-time Rugby World Cup winner.
“I felt we were in control in the first half, and I think the guys were relaxed when they came into the changerooms. So, it would be awesome if we could go 80 minutes like that.
“The Lions also brought some of their big stars, so for me it was a massive win. For the players as well – we spoke about belief before the game. Hopefully, the guys start to believe we can win this thing. Let’s see what happens next week.”
Clayton Blommetjies. Photo: Morgan Piek
Meanwhile, on Sunday in Pretoria, the Griquas hammered the Bulls 42-21 at the Tuine-Grizzlies Rugby Club. The Bulls managed a few late tries after the visitors went down to 14 men when replacement tighthead prop Ig Prinsloo was shown red for a reckless cleanout at the ruck.
Fleet-footed winger Gurswin Wehr was the hat-trick hero for the men from Kimberley, while skipper Cebo Dlamini, hooker Janco Uys and outside centre Zane Bester also crossed the whitewash.
Boland may be sitting second on the log for now after stunning the Pumas with a late 29-26 win in Nelspruit, but the winner between the Cheetahs and Griquas on Friday will almost certainly secure a home semi-final.
Gurswin Wehr scoring against the Cheetahs in Kimberley in the SA Cup. Photo: Morgan Piek
Friday’s eagerly awaited showdown at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 17:00.
Cheetahs: Tries – Marko Janse van Rensburg 2, Prince Nkabinde, Clayton Blommetjies, Michael Annies, Penalty Try, Jandré Nel Conv. – Cohen Jasper 2, Blommetjies 3
Lions: Tries – Gianni Lombard, Morné Brandon, Angelo Davids, Nico Steyn, Rynhardt Jonker Conv. – Sam Francis 3
Bulls: Tries - Stravino Jacobs, Junior Pokomela, Katlego Letebele Conv. - Boeta Chamberlain 3
Griquas: Tries - Gurswin Wehr 3, Cebo Dlamini, Janco Uys, Zane Bester Conv. - George Whitehead 6
