On Sunday, the Cheetahs played to a 20-20 draw against Perpignan in a game they could – and should – have won in Amsterdam.

In his return match following a shoulder injury sustained against the Lions in the Currie Cup semi-finals, Rudolph made the joint-most dominant carries with seven, won the most turnovers outright with four, and also scored a try.

Gideon van der Merwe secured the joint second-most turnovers with three, alongside Jac Morgan of the Ospreys.

Michael Annies. Photo: Morgan Piek

On the attack, Annies was the star for the Cheetahs, beating a total of 16 defenders – the second most after the 21 beaten by Nadir Megdoud of Aviron Bayonnais.

As a team, the Cheetahs won the most turnovers with 16, which was seven more than any other team, with Perpignan second with nine.

In addition, the Cheetahs were the third-most successful team in lineout wins, with a 94% success rate. Connacht of Ireland and Section Paloise (Pau) boasted a 100% lineout success rate. In terms of defenders beaten, the Cheetahs ranked fourth with 32.

Gideon van der Merwe. Photo: Morgan Piek

Cheetahs coach Izak van der Westhuizen expressed his satisfaction with his team's determination in a statement to OFM Sport. “The positive is that the guys fought right until the end, even with a man down,” said Van der Westhuizen.

‘That’s when we are at our best’

“I told them afterwards, it seems like every time the chips are down, that’s when we are at our best. I’d like it if we could start that way. So, it’s definitely something to work on. Obviously, we would have liked to win, but we’ll still take the points.

“In this competition, bonus points count for a lot. So, at the end of the day, it could all come down to one point, and we’ll take whatever we can get.”

On Saturday at 22:00, Cardiff Rugby will face the Cheetahs at Cardiff Arms Park in Wales.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek  cg