A late try from Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies denied the Cheetahs an opening-round win in the EPCR Challenge Cup on Sunday.
Jantjies’ Bayonne held on for a 29-27 victory at the Stade Jean-Dauger having led 22-13 at the break.
It was a heartbreaking defeat for Frans Steyn’s men, who lost all four of their pool matches in last season’s competition.
The Cheetahs showed early attacking intent, with flyhalf Tiaan Swanepoel slotting a penalty before winger Michael Annies finished a well-worked move in the corner. Swanepoel kicked the conversion to make it 10-0.
Annies glides in! 🛝
#ChallengeCupRugby https://t.co/JVFxIxqZ0X
— EPCR Challenge Cup (@ChallengeCup_) October 18, 2026
Bayonne hit back in the 15th minute, with hooker Facundo Bosch finishing off a rolling maul. The conversion was missed, but the hosts soon took the lead when centre Federico Mori crossed five minutes later, with flyhalf Rob du Preez adding the extras.
Swanepoel’s second penalty kept the Cheetahs in touch, but Bayonne were beginning to find their rhythm. Fullback Yohan Orabe crossed in the 28th minute to extend the home side’s advantage, although the conversion was again missed.
The Cheetahs grew increasingly frustrated with referee Sara Cox over what they viewed as unpunished off-the-ball incidents. However, their forwards began to gain the upper hand at scrum time in the closing stages of the half, winning several penalties.
But the hosts’ maul remained a major threat. From a Cheetahs error, Bayonne launched another powerful drive, with Bosch crossing for his second try.
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The Cheetahs hit back after the break with tries by centre Carel-Jan Coetzee and hooker Louis van der Westhuizen, both converted by Swanepoel to edge them ahead.
However a few uncharacteristic misses from Swanepoel ensured that Bayonne stayed in the fight.
The French flair was on full display in the 68th minute when Bayonne ran the ball from deep within their own half. Jantjies – who had replaced Baptiste Tilloles in the third quarter – showed a clean pair of heels and sprinted more than 50m to get Bayonne’s fifth try. Du Preez slotted the conversion to give the hosts a nervy two-point lead.
Bayonne held on for the win, with the Cheetahs coming away with a losing bonus point.
The Cheetahs next host the Dragons at their adopted home ground St Helen’s in Swansea on 13 December.
BAYONNE – Tries: Facundo Bosch (2), Federico Mori, Yohan Orabe, Herschel Jantjies. Conversions: Rob du Preez (2).
CHEETAHS – Tries: Michael Annies, Carel-Jan Coetzee, Louis van der Westhuizen. Conversions: Tiaan Swanepoel (3). Penalties: Swanepoel (2).
Photo: @avironrugbypro/Instagram
The post Jantjies breaks Cheetahs’ hearts appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
A late try from Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies denied the Cheetahs an opening-round win in the EPCR Challenge Cup on Sunday.
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