The Toyota Cheetahs made it two-from-two in the Toyota Challenge on Saturday with a convincing 27-12 win against the Western Force in Bloemfontein.

The visitors from Australia raced to a 12-0 lead within 13 minutes courtesy of tries by TRY! Sam Sprink and Bayley Kuenzle.

The Cheetahs struck back with a Daniel Maartens try, while on the stroke of half time, the hooker Marko Janse van Rensburg scored a converted try to see them to a 14-12 lead at the break.

Three minutes into the second half, the young and powerful Cheetahs winger, Marcell Muller, rounded off for the third try by the hosts. This was Muller’s fourth try for the Cheetahs in what was just his third game.

Ruan Pienaar, who came on at scrumhalf early in the game, landed a penalty to put the lead up to 10 points. This was important as it would force the visitors to score more than once for a win.

On the stroke of full time the replacement hooker, Janus Venter, scored the Cheetahs fourth try, which came from a maul.

The win came at what could be a big price as the American international scrumhalf left the field early with what could be a knee injury. The young halfback had a good game up until he was forced to be carted off the field.

On the flipside, the flyhalf George Lourens had an outstanding game, while the Springbok flanker, Oupa Mohoje was brilliant. Mohoje put in some big tackles and was a strong contender for the man of the match award.

The Cheetahs will now head to Perth where they will tackle the Force in two away matches. The first game will be played on 29 September at the Lane Group Stadium in Perth.

Scorers:

Cheetahs: Tries – Daniel Maartens, Marko Janse van Rensburg, Marcell Muller, Janus Venter Conv. – George Lourens 2 Pen. – Ruan Pienaar

Western Force: Tries – Sam Sprink, Bayley Kuenzle Conv. – Max Burey 

Morgan Piek OFM Sport