Wingers Cohen Jasper and Michael Annies bagged a number of tries each as the Cheetahs produced one of their most dominant derby displays in recent years. The game with the Free State, which has so often gone down the drain, was a one-sided affair this time – a victory that will do wonders for the visitors’ confidence.
The Griffons started brightly and asked early questions, opening the scoring through a Keegan Schaefer penalty. But that would be just as good for the hosts.
Daniel Maartens opened the scoring for the Cheetahs. Photo: Morgan Piek
The Cheetahs hit back soon afterwards, with energetic flanker Daniel Maartens marking his return from concussion with a converted try. Jasper then finished neatly in the corner to give the visitors control over the proceedings.
Just before half time, loosehead prop Tielman Nieuwoudt extended the lead to 19-3 at half time.
The Griffons showed a brief spark after the restart when Jandré de Beer crossed the line in the centre, but their effort owed more to Cheetah’s errors than sustained pressure. From there it was all one way.
Annies almost struck against the run of play to move the Cheetahs closer to the bonus point, and that moment proved to be the turning point as the visitors shifted gears.
Jasper added his second after winning the race to a clever Clayton Blommetjies chip, and by then the result was beyond doubt.
Late tries from replacement hooker Juan Smal and Marco Janse van Vuren blew the scoring wide open, before Annies cut through the defense on the stroke of full-time for a superb 60-yard effort to put the final nail in the coffin.
Cohen Jasper has now scored five tries in his last two games. Photo: Morgan Piek
Cheetahs captain Neels Volschenk said the result was a big increase, but admitted there is still plenty to work on. “I’m not sure the last time we’ve been here and won by a margin like that, so it’s a good call to get off our backs.
“There’s still a lot we can improve on, especially our discipline early on – we put unnecessary pressure on ourselves – but I’m really happy with the way we’ve pulled it off.
“There were times when the Griffons were 22 and we had to dig deep, and we did that, which shows the character in the side. Our discipline improved nicely in the second half, which is encouraging.”
Jandré de Beer scores a big hit with Tielman Nieuwoudt. Photo: Morgan Piek
“Our set piece is something we will definitely be looking at this week as it is a key area for us. It was also good to see us moving the ball more. The forwards gave us quality possession, and the backs made the most of it.”
“There is still work to be done on the breakdown, but our handling and willingness to play created momentum.”
Elsewhere, in Wellington, the Suzuki Griquas defeated the Boland Cavaliers 24-14 – a result that could be hugely important for the Cheetahs as the competition heads towards the business end.
Cheetahs lock Curtly Thomas was excellent in his first game against his former team. Photo: Morgan Piek
Next up, the Cheetahs face a tough away trip to George, where they will take on the in-form SWD Eagles at Outeniqua Park.
Scorers:
Griffons: Try – Jandre de Beer Conv. – Dehovine Johannes Pen. – Keegan Schaefer
Cheetahs: Trying – Daniel Maartens, Cohen Jasper 2, Tielman Nieuwoudt, Michael Annies 2, Juan Smal, Marco Janse van Vuren, Penalty Try Conv. – Jaco van der Walt 4, Clayton Blommetjies
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