The Cheetahs made life difficult for themselves with ill-discipline on Saturday, nearly throwing away a victory against Western Province in their Currie Cup encounter in Bloemfontein.
Some desperate defence and excellent lineout steals saved them from embarrassment as they hung on with just 13 players for the final five minutes to seal a crucial 31–24 bonus-point win.
The home side scored five tries to Western Province’s three, and with the victory, they claimed top spot on the Currie Cup log with three rounds to go.
fter enjoying a 31–10 lead almost halfway through the second half, the Cheetahs should never have found themselves in a position to lose. They had dominated Province up front, and their slick outside backs enjoyed the space created out wide.
First-half tries by fullback Cohen Jasper and loose forward Mihlali Mosi, along with scores from winger Banie Britz, lock Juan Venter, and No. 8 Neels Volschenk, gave the home side a comfortable 21-point cushion. But then the wheels came off, and the game nearly ended in a spectacular draw.
Western Province started playing like a proper team, attacking with flair and putting the Cheetahs under immense pressure. Perhaps the shift of fullback Tristan Leyds to flyhalf played a part — suddenly there was rhythm, and space opened up out wide as Leyds distributed the ball beautifully from first receiver.
A flighted pass led to a try for winger Jared Africa, while Leyds’ pinpoint goal-kicking from the touchline ensured the final two converted tries kept Province within striking distance.
In the dying minutes, a solo effort by WP replacement scrumhalf Ezekiel Ngobeni was ruled out for a knock-on. Had the try stood, the scores would have been level at 31–all with four minutes remaining.
However, Province’s inability to produce a full 80-minute performance allowed the hosts to build an unassailable lead — and ultimately cost them the game. Still, they can be proud of the fight they showed, and it bodes well for their remaining fixtures.
The Cheetahs, meanwhile, will be relieved but aware: their ill-discipline nearly cost them dearly. It’s a problem they must address quickly as the tournament enters the knockout stages.
Points scorers
Cheetahs 31 (12): Tries: Cohen Jasper, Mihlali Mosi, Banie Britz, Juan Venter, Neels Volschenk. Conversions: Jasper (3).
Western Province 24 (10): Tries: Shilton van Wyk, Jared Africa, Enos Ndiao. Conversions: Tristan Leyds (3). Penalty: Jurie Matthee.
