The Cheetahs claimed a convincing win against Lusitanos in Bloemfontein on Friday night.
The Free Staters crossed for eight tries in a 54-24 victory, with centre Jooste Nel and flank Ramon Uys each grabbing a brace, having led 40-10 at half-time.
The Cheetahs – wearing new gold jerseys – dominated the Toyota Challenge clash despite spending periods of the first half down to 14 and even 13 men.
Yellow cards to prop Tielman Nieuwoudt and flyhalf Jaco van der Walt threatened to disrupt the home side’s momentum, but Lusitanos – effectively a Portugal A side – struggled to make their numerical advantage count.
Instead, the Cheetahs continued to dominate proceedings, with powerful forward play and clinical finishing stretching the visitors’ defence.
Lusitanos’ only first-half points came via a penalty try and a converted score, while the Cheetahs ran in six tries before the break.
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The visitors showed more attacking intent in the second half, but never seriously threatened the result.
Cheetahs scrumhalf Rewan Kruger crossed after a quick tap penalty, while Van der Walt marked his return from the sin bin with a try of his own.
CHEETAHS – Tries: Jooste Nel (2), Ramon Uys (2), Louis van der Westhuizen, Prince Nkabinde, Rewan Kruger, Jaco van der Walt. Conversions: Van der Walt (6), Clayton Blommetjies.
LUSITANOS – Tries: Penalty try, Alfredo Almeida, Tomas Marques. Conversions: Aubry Hugo (2). Penalty: Hugo.
Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images
The post Cheetahs power past Portuguese appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Cheetahs claimed a convincing win against Lusitanos in Bloemfontein on Friday night.
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