The Boland Cavaliers beat the Cheetahs in their opening SA Cup match at the Free State Stadium on Friday.
Boland held on to a 24-7 half-time lead to see off the home side 34-24 and make an early statement in the competition.
Flyhalf Juan Mostert was instrumental in Boland’s victory, contributing 19 points and answering coach Hawies Fourie’s call for the side to start winning away from home.
The home crowd was stunned early as Boland struck twice within the opening 15 minutes. Left wing Xavier Mitchell finished a well-worked move before No 8 Thurlow Marsh powered over for a second try.
The Cheetahs suffered a blow when lock Carl Wegner left the field after 20 minutes in what was his 100th appearance.
The visitors controlled much of the opening period, with Mostert pulling the strings and lock Jeandre Leonard posing a constant threat.
Centre Lunathi Nxele then burst through the midfield for another score as Boland threatened to run riot.
The Cheetahs eventually got on the board shortly before half-time when wing Prince Nkabinde crossed to reduce the deficit.
The hosts showed more urgency after the break. Captain and hooker Louis van der Westhuizen barged over from close range following a rolling maul, before scrumhalf Christiaan van der Westhuizen finished another lineout drive to close the gap to 24-17.
Boland, though, hit back when Mostert charged down a kick from Cheetahs flyhalf Ethan Wentzel and raced away to score.
Cheetahs centre Zander du Plessis crashed over to give the hosts a sniff, but Mostert’s second penalty with eight minutes remaining sealed the victory for the visitors.
ALSO: No more WP in Currie Cup
In Friday’s other SA Cup matches, the Pumas edged SWD Eagles 28-26 in George having trailed 19-7 at the break, while the Valke beat Eastern Province 29-23 in Gqeberha.
The SA Cup continues on Saturday when the Griffons host the Border Bulldogs and the Leopards travel to Kimberley to take on Griquas.
Photo: @CheetahsRugby/X
The post Boland stun Cheetahs in Bloem appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Boland Cavaliers beat the Cheetahs in their opening SA Cup match at the Free State Stadium on Friday.
The post Boland stun Cheetahs in Bloem appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
