Head coach Frans Steyn hailed the Cheetahs’ resilience despite registering their first loss of the Currie Cup season to the defending champions.
Griquas edged the men from Bloemfontein 24-21 in a gripping central derby in Kimberley on Friday after the visitors overturned a 10-point half-time deficit, only to squander a late chance when a lineout 5m from the hosts’ tryline went astray.
Steyn insisted the Free Staters, who kicked off their campaign with back-to-back bonus-point wins, have made significant strides and will continue backing their attacking instincts.
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“I’m very proud of the men, although there were many mistakes and there are many things we need to work on now,” he said.
“Where we are as a team today and where we were a year ago is a huge difference and I’m looking forward to seeing where we can go as a team.”
Steyn also stood by the decision to kick for the corner instead of taking a shot at goal when the Cheetahs trailed by three points late in the match.
“We will always go for the win. That’s how we grew up. That’s how we play in the Free State.”
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Steyn’s troops had recovered from 17-7 down at the break to push Griquas all the way before the failed lineout ended their hopes of snatching victory.
The Cheetahs travel to Athlone Stadium to face Stormers XXIII, who beat the Sharks XV in Cape Town this weekend, in round four of the competition next Sunday.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
