The much-fancied Cheetahs led 21–15 at half-time at the Toyota Stadium. But just weren’t able to pull it across the line against the visitors, who can now celebrate a historic victory.

For most of the first half, the visitors enjoyed the bulk of the possession and got off to a high-tempo start. The Cheetahs, however, looked dangerous on the few occasions they managed to get the ball in hand, and when they did, they often turned it into points.

Sandro Mamamtavrishvili smashing Tielman Nieuwoudt in the tackle. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs scored the first try from a counter-attack starting inside their own half after a turnover at the breakdown. A few players handled well before outside centre Marco Jansen van Vuren finished off in the corner.

However, the visitors immediately hit back when flanker Sandro Mamamtavrishvili dotted down after a lineout drive.

The Cheetahs regained the lead on the half-hour mark when winger Cohen Jasper collected a pinpoint cross-kick from flyhalf Clayton Blommetjies to stroll in for the score. Black Lion responded with another try of their own – this time hooker Irakli Kvatadze crashing over as the forwards kept it tight.

On the stroke of half-time, fullback Michael Annies went in for the Cheetahs’ third try, giving them a six-point cushion at the break.

In the second stanza, the Cheetahs extended their lead when hooker Chucky van der Westhuizen broke through a couple of tackles before offloading to captain Victor Sekekete, who went over under the posts.

From there, the visitors found another gear, scoring four unanswered tries to turn the game on its head. Giorgi Sinauridze, Akaki Tabutsadze, and prop Dato Andushelishvili, who scored a brace, powered Black Lion into a slender lead with just minutes remaining.

The Cheetahs struck back through Marko Janse van Rensburg, who scored from a lineout maul to bring his team back within reach. With the full-time siren having sounded, Prince Nkabinde crossed the line to seemingly snatch victory, but unfortunately, Jasper’s conversion attempt, which would have sealed the win, drifted past the right-hand upright.

That was the final act of a pulsating match, sealing a famous win for the Georgians, who know the Cheetahs will come hard at them in the return fixture next Sunday in Bloemfontein.

Following the match, Black Lion coach Richard Cockerill was delighted with the historic result but admitted his side were fortunate to come away with the win.

Prince Nkabinde  Photo: Morgan Piek

“We did some really good things, and there’s been a huge shift in our improvement as a team,” said the former England international.

“But when we’re bad, we’re very, very bad. There were parts of the game that were catastrophic for us – game management, discipline, yellow cards, especially either side of half-time.

“But it’s all experience for us. The great thing is we’ve beaten a good team tonight. For us as Black Lion, we’ve made a bit of history because we don’t often come to South Africa and win games.

Marco Jansen van Vuren Photo: Morgan Piek

“We know there’s going to be a big challenge next Sunday because they’ll be hurting for obvious reasons. We have huge respect for them, but tonight was our night. We were a bit lucky – you kick that goal at the end, and we’re having a different conversation. That’s rugby sometimes.

“We did some really good things, and so did the Cheetahs. But crikey, we’ve got so much to improve on, which is a good thing because we can enjoy the win and still get better. I’m sure they’ll be saying the same in their review on Monday.”

Next Sunday’s second encounter at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

Scores:

Cheetahs: Tries – Marco Jansen van Vuren, Cohen Jasper, Michael Annies, Victor Sekekete, Marko Janse van Rensburg, Prince Nkabinde Conv. – Jasper

Black Lion: Tries – Sandro Mamamtavrishvili, Irakli Kvatadze, Dato Andushelishvili 2, Giorgi Sinauridze, Akaki Tabutsadze Conv. – Luka Tsirekidze 2, Otar Metreveli Pen. – Tsirekidze

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg