The Cheetahs simply had to win the match to stay in the running to end in the top four on the SA Cup log and qualify for the Currie Cup. The Free State side went one better clinching the match and gaining a crucial confidence boost ahead of Friday’s (08/05) showdown with the log leaders, the Suzuki Griquas.

The match was delayed by 30 minutes due to the late arrival of the on-site ambulance. But once the game got started, it was Cheetahs all the way, with flanker Ramon Uys scoring within the first five minutes. 

Tielman Nieuwoudt, Cohen Jasper, Sisonke Vumazonke, Juan Small, Michael Annies, and Rewan Kruger all scored tries in the first half, and Jasper converted all but one.

Border’s only try was dotted down by Mbasa Nkonki just before half-time, but the Cheetahs still went into the changing room leading by 47-5 at the break.

The nightmare continued for the hosts in the second half with Annies scoring his second barely ten minutes into the half. Kruger also added to this tally with Chucky van der Westhuizen scoring twice in quick succession. 

Annies scored two more tries in the final minutes of the match, with Jasper once again succeeding with five conversions. The Cheetahs have one more massive hurdle to conquer to secure a place in the top four of the SA Cup and qualify for the Currie Cup. 

Standing in their way is the Suzuki Griquas, which they will face on Friday (8/5) at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. The match kicks off at 18:00.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg