A stunning winter afternoon in the Free State produced a thrilling encounter, with eight tries, momentum swings and a dramatic finish keeping supporters on the edge of their seats. In the end, the Cheetahs showed just enough composure to survive a late Lions onslaught and secure a memorable opening-round victory.

While Lions debutant Likhona Finca stole the headlines with a sensational hat-trick of tries, it was the experience of two-time Rugby World Cup-winning scrumhalf Faf de Klerk that ultimately proved the difference.

Cohen Jasper goes in for the match-winning try. Photo: Morgan Piek

Back in the famous white jersey, De Klerk dictated the tempo from the outset, controlling territory with an intelligent kicking game while constantly keeping the Lions defence under pressure.

The Cheetahs struck first through the dependable boot of flyhalf Jaco van der Walt, who slotted an early penalty before Lions flyhalf Sam Francis responded to level the scores.

Much of the pre-match attention centred on De Klerk’s return, and it didn’t take long for him to stamp his authority on the contest. A sharp break around the fringes created the platform for hooker Marko Janse van Rensburg to crash over from close range for the opening try.

The visitors responded almost immediately when Finca crossed for his first Currie Cup try after exploiting space out wide.

The Cheetahs, however, hit back through flanker Ramon Uys, who reacted quickest to a loose lineout ball close to the Lions’ tryline to restore the home side’s advantage.

Van der Walt added another penalty to extend the lead, but the Lions finished the first half strongly. A Cheetahs counter-attack unravelled when lock Dylan Sjoblom intercepted a loose pass before sending fullback Latica Nela over for a crucial try, cutting the deficit to just three points at the break.

It was a masterclass performance by the Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk during his Cheetahs debut. Photo: Morgan Piek

The visitors carried that momentum into the second half as Finca dotted down for his second try to hand the Lions their first lead of the afternoon.

With the match hanging in the balance, De Klerk once again produced a moment of class. His perfectly weighted kick to touch deep inside Lions territory created an attacking lineout from which captain Victor Sekekete powered over to put the Cheetahs back in front.

The hosts then stretched their advantage when centre Zander du Plessis carved open the defence to send Cohen Jasper over in the corner, making amends for an earlier error.

The former Cheetahs winger Rabz Maxwane scored a try which would be disallowed. Photo: Morgan Piek

Just when it looked as though the Cheetahs had gained control, Finca completed a dream debut by scoring his third try with ten minutes remaining to edge the Lions back in front at 27-26.

Van der Walt, however, showed nerves of steel, calmly slotting his third penalty of the afternoon with five minutes remaining to restore the Cheetahs’ lead. There was still time for one final twist.

The impressive centre Likhona Finca scores his first of three tries on debut for the Lions. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Lions launched a desperate attack after the full-time hooter and looked destined to snatch victory, only for winger Rabz Maxwane to lose possession over the tryline at the crucial moment.

It brought an end to a breathtaking contest and sparked jubilant celebrations among the Cheetahs faithful as their side claimed a hard-fought opening-round win.

Following the victory, Cheetahs captain Neels Volschenk admitted there were areas to improve but reserved special praise for De Klerk, whom he believed was the standout performer on the day.

“No, definitely not. I don’t think everything was bad,” said Volschenk.

Latica Nela. Photo: Morgan Piek

“That’s the way rugby is. Whether you win or lose, you focus on the things you can fix and where you need to improve.

“When it comes to Faf, I personally felt he was our best player on the field today. He put us on the front foot, and even his kicking game was excellent.

“He identified space well and kicked into the corners and into the 22, which helped us a lot. His communication and presence on the field also help the team immensely.

“I know I feel at ease with him out there, so I’m massively happy to have him here at the Free State Cheetahs.”

The Cheetahs now shift their focus to Friday night’s clash against the Sharks at the Toyota Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00.

Scorers

Toyota Cheetahs: Tries - Marko Janse van Rensburg, Ramon Uys, Victor Sekekete, Cohen Jasper Pen. - Jaco van der Walt 3

Lions: Tries - Likhona Finca 3, Latica Nela Conv. - Sam Francis 3 Pen. - Francis

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg