Oupa Mohoje scored two tries as the Cheetahs hung on for a 34-28 victory against the Bulls in Bloemfontein, writes JON CARDINELLI.
The Cheetahs have beaten the Bulls for only the third time in Super Rugby history. More importantly, they have dealt a blow to the Bulls' playoff ambitions.
The hosts were in control for much of the contest. From the outset, they looked to up the tempo and exploit the large and sluggish Bulls forwards.
For the second time in as many weeks, the Bulls failed to live with the intensity and physicality of their opponents. Mohoje scored two of the Cheetahs' four tries in the first half. The flanker touched down shortly before half-time, and the accurate goal-kicking of Fred Zeilinga ensured that the hosts went to the break with a commanding 28-14 lead.
The second half was more closely contested as far as points were concerned. Yet, the Cheetahs maintained their effort at the gainline and ensured they played in the right areas.
By contrast, the Bulls looked devoid of a desire as well as any discernible plan. Handré Pollard took the ball to the line on several occasions, but failed to make an impact. For the second week in a row, a poor performance by the Bulls pack placed the backline under pressure.
As the Cheetahs began to tire, the Bulls found their way back into the contest. Piet van Zyl scored from close range and then Jamba Ulengo handed off a would-be defender to cross the line. Two excellent goal-kicks by replacement flyhalf Tian Schoeman reduced the deficit to three points.
The Cheetahs had the final say, though, with Zeilinga goaling a penalty in the 74th minute.
Cheetahs – Tries: Clinton Swart, Oupa Mohoje (2), Justin Basson. Conversions: Fred Zeilinga (4). Penalties: Zeilinga (2).
Bulls – Tries: Jason Jenkins, Piet van Zyl, Jamba Ulengo. Conversions: Tian Schoeman (2). Penalties: Handré Pollard (3).
Cheetahs – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Ryno Benjamin, 13 Nico Lee, 12 Clinton Swart, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Paul Schoeman, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Uzair Cassiem, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Johan Coetzee, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld (c), 1 Tshego Nche.
Subs: 16 Elandré Huggett, 17 Charles Marais, 18 Danie Mienie, 19 Francois Uys, 20 Niell Jordaan, 21 Zee Mkhabela, 22 Niel Marais, 23 Ruan van Rensburg.
Bulls – 15 Jesse Kriel, 14 Travis Ismaiel, 13 Dries Swanepoel, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Jamba Ulengo, 10 Handre Pollard (c), 9 Rudy Paige, 8 Hanro Liebenberg, 7 Jacques Potgieter, 6 Nic de Jager, 5 RG Snyman, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Lizo Gqoboka.
Subs: 16 Edgar Marutlulle, 17 Pierre Schoeman, 18 Jacobie Adriaanse, 19 Renaldo Bothma, 20 Ruan Steenkamp, 21 Piet van Zyl, 22 Tian Schoeman, 23 Warrick Gelant.
Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images
