The Bloemfontein-based side pushed their hosts all the way in France, producing a competitive performance that suggested they could have returned home with the spoils had a few key moments gone their way. In a match decided by just two points, the fine margins of European rugby once again came into sharp focus.

For the Cheetahs, the result was a bitter pill to swallow. They had put themselves in a position to challenge a quality Bayonne side and showed enough in their performance to believe that an upset was within reach. However, when the pressure mounted, a handful of costly errors and missed opportunities ultimately proved decisive.

The Cheetahs dominated almost every aspect of the game according to the stats. Photo: X

Despite the disappointment, there were encouraging signs for the Free Staters. The performance marked a noticeable improvement on their previous encounter with Racing 92 in January, when they suffered a heartbreaking 31-28 defeat after being denied at the death. 

While Sunday’s match also ended in defeat, the Cheetahs delivered a more convincing performance against a Bayonne side that sits higher than the Parisian outfit on the current French Top 14 log.

Cheetahs captain Neels Volschenk admitted that the result was frustrating, particularly given how close his side came to pulling off the victory. Nevertheless, the skipper was proud of the character and determination shown by his teammates in challenging circumstances.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Volschenk said the team had put itself in a strong position to win but acknowledged that coming so close against quality opposition, particularly away from home, made the defeat even more difficult to accept.

“Obviously, we’re bitterly disappointed with the result. I think we put ourselves in a really good position to win the game, and to come so close against a quality side like Bayonne, especially away from home, makes it even more frustrating,” said Volschenk.

“Having said that, I’m incredibly proud of the boys and the effort they put in. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, with the travelling, the short turnaround, and everything that comes with playing overseas. But the boys really stood up to the challenge and showed a lot of character.

“The biggest disappointment is that we had the game in our hands. At this level, those small moments and individual mistakes can ultimately make the difference. That’s something we need to learn from, particularly when it comes to closing out tight games.

“At the same time, there are a lot of positives we can take from this performance. We showed that we can compete with quality European opposition, and that should give this group a lot of confidence going forward.

“Ultimately, we need to learn from this experience and grow as a team. I’m proud of the boys, and there are a lot of good things we can take away from this performance.”

There may be concern over a niggle that forced Faf de Klerk off the park. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs will now have a lengthy break from competitive action, with their next match scheduled for December when they travel to Wales to face the Dragons in the second round of their Challenge Cup campaign.

The encounter against the Newport-based side will take place at the newly revamped St Helen’s in Swansea on 13 December, as the Cheetahs prepare to make the Welsh venue their European home for the 2026/27 campaign.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs