Although both sides had already been eliminated from Round of 16 contention, there was nothing of a dead rubber about the occasion. The lead changed hands repeatedly in a high-tempo, entertaining encounter, with the Cheetahs more than matching their star-studded French hosts for long spells.

It has been a frustrating European campaign for the Cheetahs, compounded by last weekend’s weather-related forfeit against Ulster in Amsterdam. 

They arrived in Paris desperate to sign off their Challenge Cup journey on a high note, and for large portions of the match, it looked as though they might just do that.

Hacjivah Dayimani. Photo: X

The visitors made a dream start, opening the scoring inside the first minute. Flanker Daniel Maartens read a Racing backline move brilliantly, intercepted, and sprinted 45 metres to dot down for an early seven-point lead.

Racing responded seven minutes later when sustained pressure near the line saw Auguste Albuisson crash over from close range. Matters then became more difficult for the Cheetahs when veteran tighthead prop Aranos Coetzee was yellow-carded for a high tackle on scrumhalf Cléo Labarbe.

The numerical advantage paid off almost immediately as Racing struck from long range. A sweeping move upfield ended with former Stormers and Lions loose forward Hacjivah Dayimani beating four defenders to score a superb solo try.

The momentum swung again when Racing captain Romain Taofifenua was sent to the sin bin for knocking the ball out of loosehead prop Dux Manyama’s hands as he was about to score. The referee awarded a penalty try, and the Cheetahs made the most of their advantage soon after when Prince Nkabinde finished in the corner following relentless pressure.

Despite having a try disallowed when Zander du Plessis lost the ball over the line, the Cheetahs went into the break 21–14 up and looking full value for their lead.

Racing struck immediately after the restart, with winger Nolann Donguy scoring out wide in the opening minute of the second half to level matters. English lock Jonny Hill then powered over in the 51st minute to put the French side ahead, and it appeared Racing were starting to pull away.

Daniel Maartens. Photo: Morgan Piek

However, the Cheetahs refused to go quietly. Du Plessis sliced through the defence with a superb line to score with 11 minutes remaining, handing the visitors a 28–24 lead and putting them within touching distance of a memorable win.

Discipline, though, proved costly in the dying moments. Late penalties handed Racing territory and possession, and after sustained pressure on the Cheetahs’ line, Fickou spotted a gap and crossed for the match-winning try at the death.

There were no wild celebrations from Racing – only relief – as the Cheetahs were left devastated once more, their Challenge Cup campaign ending in cruel fashion.

Following the disappointing defeat, loose forward Neels Volschenk told OFM Sport the team would take it on the chin as they continue to grow and turn their focus to the SA Cup.

“I think I speak on behalf of all the players and the coaching staff when I say it was disappointing to lose the match, but that is the nature of any defeat,” said Volschenk.

“That said, as a group, we can be proud of the way we prepared throughout the week and how we turned up on match day.

Prince Nkabinde. Photo: Morgan Piek

“From a personal point of view, one of the big positives for me is the new combinations, which continue to improve with every game and the more we play together. 

“I would also like to give special credit to our forwards, who laid the foundation for the backline to create space and allow us to play front-foot rugby. I felt we were dominant at scrum time, at the line-outs, and with our driving mauls – all credit must go to the forwards.

“We are not a naïve group when it comes to our mistakes and the improvements that still need to be made. As a team, we learned a great deal over the course of last year and again during this EPCR campaign, and we are fully aware of the hard work that lies ahead.

‘There is still a lot of hard work ahead, but we will certainly build on the positives’

“We are a group of players who want to play high-quality rugby, win the competitions we take part in, lift trophies and make our union proud. 

“That is why we are really looking forward to the SA Cup and the preparation for it. There is still a lot of hard work ahead, but we will certainly build on the positives as the SA Cup gets underway.”

The 2026 SA Cup is scheduled to kick off in March, with SA Rugby yet to confirm the format and fixtures.

Scorers:

Racing 92: Tries - Auguste Albuisson, Hacjivah Dayimani, Nolann Donguy, Jonny Hill, Gaël Fickou Conv. - Antoine Gilbert 3

Toyota Cheetahs: Tries - Daniel Maartens, Penalty try, Prince Nkabinde, Zander du Plessis Conv. - Jaco van der Walt 3

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs