They led 34-0 at half-time before extending their advantage in the second half.

The Cheetahs earned a bonus point as they put behind them the disappointment of their opening-round defeat to the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington a week ago. While the Cavaliers are a stronger team than the Leopards, the Cheetahs were far more clinical, disciplined, and ruthless in this crucial victory ahead of their trip to Nelspruit next week to face the Pumas.

Banie Britz. Photo: Morgan Piek

Scrumhalf Jandré ‘Smiley’ Nel, who is being hailed as the next Sarel Pretorius, was outstanding in the starting role. His boundless energy saw him score four of the Cheetahs’ eleven tries on the night.

Captain Chucky van der Westhuizen bagged a brace of tries, while Banie Britz, Daniel Martens, Cohen Jasper, Prince Nkabinde, and Raegan Oranje also got in on the action. Oranje’s try, the final one of the game, was his maiden score for the Cheetahs after coming agonisingly close last week. Jasper, in turn, slotted seven conversions, bringing his total contribution to 19 points.

Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn was relieved after the emphatic win but emphasised that there was still a lot of work to do before next week’s tough assignment against the Pumas.

“As long as we stick to our processes and get the small things right, I think good things will happen,” said Steyn.

“There were some positives, but I believe we can still improve a lot, especially ahead of next week’s game against the Pumas. We need to sort out a few things this week to put in a strong performance in Nelspruit.”

On Nel’s performance, Steyn acknowledged the young halfback’s talent and the importance of allowing him to play his natural game.

“With Smiley, I almost get a heart attack every time he goes for a quick tap, but that’s one of his strengths. As long as he’s in the team, he must back himself. Some days it will work – like today – and some days it won’t, but I love the way he plays.

Prince Nkabinde. Photo: Morgan Piek

“He speeds up our game as well, so it’s going to be interesting to see how he progresses this year.”

One area the Cheetahs will be looking to improve ahead of the Pumas clash is their goal-kicking. While Jasper successfully slotted seven conversions, the team missed their first three attempts, taken by George Lourens. That said, when Lourens was relieved of kicking duties, his general play improved as his confidence grew.

Scores:

Cheetahs: Tries – Banie Britz, Jandré Nel (4), Daniel Maartens, Chucky van der Westhuizen (2), Cohen Jasper, Prince Nkabinde, Raegan Orange Conv. – Jasper (7)

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg