It was anything but a straightforward outing for the Bloemfontein side, who fielded a much-changed team featuring a mixture of up-and-coming players, new faces and several players returning from injury. With little continuity in the side, the Cheetahs were put under serious pressure in the opening half as the Lusitanos played with plenty of enterprise and attacking intent.

The Portuguese side made the most of their opportunities and, for long periods, looked capable of pulling off an upset against their more fancied opponents.

Juan Venter. Photo: Ana Demetrashvili

Flyhalf Hugo Aubry was at the heart of the Lusitanos’ early dominance, pulling the strings and keeping the Cheetahs’ defence on its toes. Aubry was also the only player in the Portuguese squad who featured when the teams last met in the first leg of the Toyota Challenge in Bloemfontein earlier this year, when the Cheetahs won 54–24.

The Lusitanos led 14–7 for a lengthy period, but the Cheetahs suddenly found another gear in the closing stages of the first half.

Three tries brought the Bloemfontein side roaring back into the contest, with captain and hooker Louis van der Westhuizen scoring the third to ensure the teams went into the break locked at 21-all.

Tiaan Swanepoel. Photo: Ana Demetrashvili

Van der Westhuizen was one of just three Cheetahs players who also featured in the previous meeting between the sides.

The Cheetahs came out with the wind at their backs in the second half and quickly turned to their replacements in an effort to inject fresh energy into the contest.

Scrumhalf Jandré Nel duly delivered, crossing for a try to put the Cheetahs in front for the first time. Ntokozo Makhaza, who had been dependable from the kicking tee, was unable to add the extras as his conversion attempt struck the left upright from directly in front.

Debutant Juandré Schoeman. Photo: Ana Demetrashvili

The Lusitanos refused to buckle, though, and were soon level again at 26–26 when replacement wing Jordan Bacon dotted down in the corner.

With the Cheetahs having left opportunities out on the field, there was a growing sense that they could come to regret those missed chances.

However, the visitors eventually found the breakthrough they needed. After another powerful driving maul, wing Litha Nkula crashed over in the 68th minute to restore the Cheetahs’ lead.

Litha Nkula going in for his try. Photo: Ana Demetrashvili

Replacement scrumhalf Erich Visser then put the result beyond doubt with another late try as the Cheetahs finally managed to shake off a determined Lusitanos outfit.

Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn admitted afterwards it had been a tough examination for his team, but said the match had provided valuable minutes for returning players while also giving the younger members of the squad an opportunity to make their mark.

“We’re happy that we won because it definitely wasn’t easy,” said Steyn.

Juan Venter. Photo: Ana Demetrashvili

“They also played a good game. It was great to have some of the guys back on the field and to see the younger guys getting stuck in. We just need to be better in the next game and hopefully we can eliminate some of our mistakes.”

In the other matches on Thursday, the Pumas produced an attacking masterclass as they romped to a 64–21 victory over Spain’s Iberians, with Tino Swanepoel crossing for an impressive five tries.

The reigning Currie Cup champions, Suzuki Griquas, also got their Tbilisi Cup campaign off to a winning start, edging hosts Black Lion 21–15 after a late try from Connor Mahoney settled the contest.

Scorers: 

Cheetahs: Tries – Sasko Ndlovo, Tiaan Swanepoel, Chucky van der Westhuizen, Jandré Nel, Litha Nkula, Erich Visser Conv. – Swanepoel 3, Ntokozo Makhaza

Lusitanos: Tries – José Monteiro, Hugo Aubry, Maximilien Coutts, Jordan Bacon Conv. – Aubry 3

Morgan Piek OFM Sport