Exeter were clinical, leading 35–7 at half-time after starving the Free Staters of both possession and territory during a relentless first 40 minutes at Sandy Park. The Cheetahs fared better in the second stanza, however, they were certainly rusty, and the damage had already been done in the first half.

The visitors were on the back foot as early as the 5th minute when Wallabies and former Brumbies centre, Len Ikitau, crashed over for a converted try.

Michael Annies. Photo: Morgan Piek

Greg Fisilau doubled Exeter’s lead some 15 minutes later when he dotted down from a maul as they raced to a 14–0 advantage.

The Cheetahs finally got themselves on the board shortly afterwards when fullback Michael Annies flew over for a superb counterattacking try, with debutant flyhalf Jaco van der Walt slotting the conversion.

Exeter effectively sealed the result in a golden 10-minute burst before the break, with Harvey Skinner, Scott Sio, and Henry Slade all scoring converted tries to open a 28-point cushion and secure the bonus point heading into the interval.

The Cheetahs enjoyed far more possession in the second half and looked after the ball better. They were also first to strike after the break when Munier Hartzenberg, returning from an injury layoff dating back to January, scored on his comeback.

There was visible urgency in the Cheetahs’ play, and while they began earning more entries into the 22, they simply couldn’t convert those opportunities into points.

The final nail in the coffin came in the 56th minute when England international winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso crossed for Exeter’s sixth try.

The Cheetahs’ replacements brought noticeable intensity, although the scrum was not as solid once Cameron Dawson and Aranos Coetzee left the field.

Despite the heavy defeat, there were positives – Captain Chucky van der Westhuizen was outstanding and made 16 tackles – the most in the match. The Young lock Juan Venter had a busy outing, impressed in the lineouts and even stole one off Exeter.

Munier Hartzenberg. Photo: Morgan Piek

Flanker Gideon van der Merwe, playing at No. 8, was at his industrious best and pilfered at least three crucial turnovers.

The new-look midfield pairing of Zander du Plessis and De-an Ackermann had a solid outing and will only grow with time – they were physical, carried well and stood up to a quality Exeter backline.

Fullback Michael Annies was brilliant, while winger Prince Nkabinde was rock-solid on defence.

On Monday, the team will travel from England to the Netherlands ahead of their first “home game”, where they will face French giants Stade Français in Amsterdam. 

It will be a very different challenge, with the Parisians known for their physicality and more direct approach. Saturday’s match between the Cheetahs and Stade Français at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam kicks off at 15:00.

Scorers: 

Exeter Chiefs: Tries – Len Ikitau, Greg Fisilau, Harvey Skinner, Scott Sio, Henry Salde, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso Conv. – Slade 6

Cheetahs: Tries – Michael Annies, Munier Hartzenberg Conv. – Jaco van der Walt

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg