The Western Force drew first blood on Wednesday night during the first round of the 2024 Toyota Challenge in Bloemfontein.

The Australian Super Rugby franchise claimed a 38-24 win against the Toyota Cheetahs at the Toyota Stadium, with Harry Potter magic being on full display in Bloemfontein again.

‘Cheetahs didn’t go down without a fight’

The man of the match, Potter, produced another magical performance with the centre scoring a brace of tries for the team from Perth. The Force were more clinical than the Cheetahs and were a lot better than the home team at the breakdown, while they were about to turn their opponent around. They were also better when it came to their handling.

The Cheetahs, however, didn’t go down without a fight, and throughout the match produced some real good moments, but they did let themselves down on several occasions.

Gideon van der Merwe. Photo: Morgan Piek

Potter opened the scoring in the 5th minute with a try, before Gideon van der Merwe struck back ten minutes later.

A try by Nic Dolly and Potter’s second, as well as two penalties by Max Burey saw the visitors holding a 25-7 lead at half-time.

‘Second stanza started with a lot more intent’

The Cheetahs started the second stanza with a lot more intent with Michael Annies going in for a try, but the Force cancelled that out with the flanker, Will Harris, dotting down.

The Cheetahs captain Victor Sekekete and replacement hooker, Vernon Paulo, each dotted down as well, but two penalties by Coby Miln put the match out of reach for the home side.

The Force captain, Reed Prinsep, told OFM Sport that he was more than happy with his team’s performance.

“I was really proud of the effort,” said the experienced Maori All Black. “There were times when the Cheetahs had momentum, especially at the start of the second half. We always stayed in control, always task-focused. We didn't get flustered and we bogged down.

“Some of those efforts defensively to get back, I thought were outstanding. Pots (Harry Potter) being a clear example of that. There was just a mentality of never giving up. I’m really proud of the efforts right across the board.”

The Cheetahs’ captain, Victor Sekekete, in turn, told OFM Sport that they only had themselves to blame for the defeat.

Reed Prinsep and Gideon van der Merwe. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I think with this game, in particular, what really cost us a lot is when we were in the right areas, we didn’t manage to keep the ball,” said Sekekete. “We lost the ball in contact a couple of times, unnecessary offloads, losing the ball on the ground, on turnovers, they did much better than what we wanted to. This was moving the ball on turnovers and getting behind them, and that’s what they did to us.

“I think with the kicking game as well they got a lot of opportunities – two opportunities – where they got those 50-22’s and it makes a difference. That’s the aspect of the game where the Western Force beat us.”

In Wednesday’s other game, Emerging Ireland beat the Pumas 36-24. On Sunday the Force will face the Irish, while the Cheetahs will tackle the Griffons.

Scorers:

Cheetahs: Tries – Gideon van der Merwe, Michael Annies, Victor Sekekete, Vernon Paulo Conv. – Ethan Wentzel 2

Western Force: Tries – Harry Potter 2, Nic Dolly, Will Harris Conv. – Max Burey 3 Pen. – Burey 2, Coby Miln 2

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg/mvh