The Cheetahs put themselves in the driving seat for a home semi-final in the Currie Cup with a crucial victory over the Sharks in Durban on Wednesday night.

With the 29-15 win, the unbeaten Cheetahs put an eight-point gap between themselves and the third-placed Sharks as the tournament reached its halfway mark.

Just four points separated the two teams coming into this clash at Kings Park and the Sharks were looking to close the gap on the league leaders.

Despite bravely fighting back from a first-half 16-point deficit to make it a one-point game in the second half, the hosts did not have enough in the tank.

In the end, it was a costly error from flyhalf Tito Bonilla that proved to be decisive. The Argentinian knocked the ball forward when attempting a pass from the ground and his mistake was pounced on by Gideon van der Merwe, as the Cheetahs flank toed the ball forward and won the race to ground it over the tryline, giving the visitors an unassailable 14-point lead.

The Sharks next face a trip to Kimberley to face high-flying Griquas on 6 April, while the Cheetahs will be able to put their feet up for a bye.

Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images