It was expected to be another tough outing for the hosts, but they showed marked improvement from the side that went down 101–7 to the Suzuki Griquas in Kimberley just six days earlier.

The Toyota Cheetahs themselves showed far more intensity and urgency than they did in their 34–24 defeat to the Boland Cavaliers in Bloemfontein the previous week.

George Lourens - Morgan Piek

What they did particularly well against the Leopards was apply pressure early. The Cheetahs were relentless and ran in ten tries on the night – one of them a penalty try – as they took control of the match.

At half-time the Cheetahs held a commanding 38–0 lead. Marko Janse van Rensburg scored a brace, while Jandré Nel, George Lourens, Cohen Jasper and Clayton Blommetjies also crossed the whitewash.

The Cheetahs dominated the first 20 minutes of the second half as well, but the game eventually opened up, allowing the Leopards to play with more freedom. At times the home side looked dangerous with ball in hand.

Further tries from captain Victor Sekekete, Marco Jansen van Vuren and Tielman Nieuwoudt kept the scoreboard ticking, although the visitors did squander several opportunities late in the game. That is something they will want to tidy up before facing the Pumas, who are likely to punish those lapses in round three.

Jooste Nel - Morgan Piek

The Leopards did manage a late consolation when Hlumelo Ndudula scored in the 74th minute, with Jandré Burger adding the conversion.

The Cheetahs’ pack laid the platform for the victory, with Janse van Rensburg, Neels Volschenk and Sekekete standing out in a powerful forward effort. Their dominance gave the backline plenty of quality ball to work with.

At flyhalf, Lourens was outstanding, marshalling the attack with composure. With that service, the powerful inside centre Jooste Nel looked dangerous, while Jasper was lively out wide.

Cohen Jasper - Morgan Piek

The two debutants, Ramon Uys and Juan Smal, also delivered solid performances and slotted in well on the night.

The Cheetahs return to action on Friday when they host the Pumas in Bloemfontein, with kick-off at Toyota Stadium scheduled for 18:00.

Scorers:

Leopards: Try - Hlumelo Ndudula Conv. – Jandré Burger

Cheetahs: Tries - Jandré Nel, George Lourens, Marko Janse van Rensburg 2, Cohen Jasper, Clayton Blommetjies, Victor Sekekete, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Penalty Try, Tielman Nieuwoudt Conv. - Jasper 4, Ntokozo Makhaza

Morgan Piek