The Free Staters suffered their first defeat of the season on Friday when they went down 24-21 to the defending champions in a thrilling OFM Cup Challenge derby in Kimberley.

Despite finishing on the losing side, the Cheetahs refused to settle for second best. Deep into the closing stages, they turned down kickable penalties that would have secured a draw, instead opting to chase a match-winning try.

Jooste Nel on the charge for the Cheetahs. Photo: Morgan Piek

It was a bold decision that ultimately didn’t pay off, with Griquas captain Albert Liebenberg producing a superb lineout steal to snuff out the visitors’ final attack and secure victory for the Peacock Blues.

What made the Cheetahs’ performance even more impressive was the resilience they showed while playing with 14 men on two separate occasions. Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk was sent to the sin bin on the stroke of half-time, while flank Juan Venter followed him for a yellow card late in the second half. Yet the visitors still found themselves within touching distance of snatching an unlikely victory.

However, discipline once again proved costly.

The Cheetahs conceded 16 penalties compared to Griquas’ eleven, although that statistic is slightly misleading as the hosts conceded several penalties late on while desperately defending their lead. The visitors also battled in the scrums, where they conceded the bulk of their penalties, and the shoulder injury to promising tighthead prop Ben Pitout is likely to complicate matters further in that department.

Head coach Frans Steyn admitted there is plenty to improve on, but stressed his side will never play for a draw.

“There are a lot of areas we still need to improve on. But we’re still very excited about the Currie Cup, and we’ll be back at work on Tuesday to prepare for the Stormers next week,” said Steyn.

Juan Venter stealing a Griquas line-out earlier in the derby. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I think, more than anything, we came here to win. A draw would never have been enough for us. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get ourselves over the line.

“We’ll never be a team that plays for a draw. We always play to win. That’s how we were brought up, and that’s the way we do things in the Free State. We’d rather go home, work harder, and make sure we win next time.”

Steyn believes there is every reason to be optimistic despite the disappointment in Kimberley, pointing to the significant progress the side has made over the past year.

Ethan Wentzel setting up an attacking line-out at the death as the Cheetahs went hunting for the win. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I’m very proud of the boys. Obviously, there were plenty of mistakes, and there are still a lot of things we need to work on. But if you look at where we are today compared to where we were a year ago, they’re two completely different teams.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing where this team can go if we get more time together. I’m excited for the rest of the Currie Cup, and I can’t wait for the Stormers next week.”

The Cheetahs now face another stern challenge when they travel to Cape Town, where they will take on the Stormers at the Athlone Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg