The Cheetahs led 26-15 at half-time but conceded a total of nine penalties, which allowed the team from the Garden Route to pile on some pressure going into the break.

Head coach Frans Steyn must have had some stern words during the interval, as the home side came out playing arguably their best rugby in a long time. There was a lot more intent with ball in hand, and their defence stepped up a level too.

Neels Volschenk. Photo: Morgan Piek

In the second half, the Cheetahs added another 61 points in their 13-try victory. Their discipline was outstanding, with only one penalty conceded after the break.

Five players scored braces of tries for the Cheetahs: Prince Nkabinde, Rewan Kruger, Pierre Uys, Neels Volschenk, and Marko Janse van Rensburg each crossed the whitewash twice. Cohen Jasper, Marco Jansen van Rensburg and Jandré Nel also dotted down. Jasper landed six conversions, while Clayton Blommetjies slotted five.

For SWD, the winger Kirwan Cupido bagged a brace of tries, while fullback Roshwin Abrahams added a conversion and a penalty.

The victory sees the Cheetahs move up to third on the log, with three games remaining before the semi-finals.

Speaking to OFM Sport, stand-in captain Chucky van der Westhuizen highlighted their improved 22-metre conversion rate as a key takeaway from the match.

“That was a big focus for us during the week,” Van der Westhuizen said.

“We’ve been getting into the 22, but over the past two to five weeks, we haven’t always converted those chances.

Chucky van der Westhuizen. Photo: Morgan Piek

“So it was definitely something we worked on, and I think we can take a lot of confidence from how we executed this week.”

The Cheetahs – along with the rest of the SA Cup – will enjoy a break this weekend due to the Easter weekend. But it’s back to business next Saturday when they host the Valke in Bloemfontein. The Valke will arrive with plenty of momentum after their stunning 45-40 comeback win over the Griffons, having trailed 40-5 at half-time in Kempton Park.

Scorers:

Cheetahs: Tries – Cohen Jasper, Prince Nkabinde 2, Rewan Kruger 2, Pierre Uys 2, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Neels Volschenk 2, Marco Janse van Rensburg, Jandré Nel Conv. – Cohen Jasper 6, Clayton Blommetjies 5

SWD Eagles: Tries – Kirwan Cupido 2 Conv. – Roshwin Abrahams Pen. – Abrahams

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg