More importantly, the nail-biting win ensured that the Cheetahs will qualify for this season’s Currie Cup Premier Division, almost against all odds.

There was immense pressure on the Cheetahs to snap their seven-match winless streak against Pieter Bergh’s Peacock Blues, and they managed to do so when it mattered most to secure the union’s survival.

Neels Volschenk. Photo: Morgan Piek

It was certainly a game of two halves at Toyota Stadium, with the Cheetahs racing to a 25-12 lead at half-time before the defending Currie Cup champions clawed their way back, only to be denied victory after a missed conversion some five minutes after the final hooter.

The Cheetahs started the derby like a house on fire, with two quick tries by hooker Chucky van der Westhuizen and winger Cohen Jasper to storm into a 17-0 lead after flyhalf Jaco van der Walt slotted both conversions. The Scottish international also added a penalty.

The log leaders eventually got on the board when their fiery hooker, Tiaan Lange, dotted down from a maul, while George Whitehead added the conversion.

Scrumhalf Rewan Kruger then crossed the whitewash for the hosts, and Van der Walt landed his second penalty. Right on the stroke of half-time, winger Connor Mahoney went over for the Griquas’ second try to leave them trailing by 13 points at the break.

The scoring in the second stanza was opened by the ever-improving Griquas centre Damian Markus, but the joy was short-lived as Munier Hartzenberg struck back almost immediately with what ultimately proved to be the match-winning try for the Cheetahs.

The Griquas were certainly not going to hand the Cheetahs the win, and a Carel van der Merwe try reduced the Free Staters’ lead to 32-26 with more than ten minutes left on the clock.

Connor Mahoney. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs’ defence then stood firm under relentless pressure from the Griquas, and some five minutes after the final whistle, in-form winger Dylan Maart went over for what was potentially the match-winning try. 

However, amid relentless booing from the home supporters, young replacement flyhalf Liam Koen pushed the conversion inches wide, much to the delight of the Cheetahs and their fans.

Following the hard-fought victory, captain Neels Volschenk told OFM Sport the weight of the world was finally off their shoulders and qualification for the Currie Cup came as a massive relief.

“It’s not just a big relief, it’s a massive relief for the players, coaching staff and everyone involved with the union,” said Volschenk, who now boasts five wins from five matches as captain.

The influential Gustav Erlank could spend the next nine to 12 months on the sidelines. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I told the guys over the past two weeks that this has to become our standard – how we play, how we train, and how we carry ourselves on and off the field. It doesn’t matter who the opposition is.

“There are still potentially two games left in this competition, and we desperately want to make the most of it.”

Meanwhile, over in Nelspruit, the Pumas thrashed the Griffons 61-12 to move back into second place on the log ahead of the Cheetahs. This means the Pumas will host the Cheetahs at Mbombela Stadium next week in the semi-finals.

Scorers:

Cheetahs: Tries – Chucky van der Westhuizen, Cohen Jasper, Rewan Kruger, Munier Hartzenberg Conv. – Jaco van der Walt 3 Pen. – Van der Walt 2

Griquas: Tries – Tiaan Lange, Connor Mahoney, Damian Markus, Carel van der Merwe, Dylan Maart Conv. – George Whitehead 3

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg