A second-half revival from Griquas in Kimberley did little to detract from the Cheetahs’ rampant start to the 2023 Currie Cup.
The Cheetahs raced to a 22-0 lead at the break and kept the scoreboard ticking in the second half – despite a Griquas comeback – to win 42-19.
The Cheetahs were bolstered by the Bok duo of Ruan Pienaar and Frans Steyn, who each churned out an impressive performance. Pienaar kicked 17 points and delivered crisp service from the base alongside Steyn’s powerful runs and accurate long-range kicks.
The Cheetahs comfortably controlled the first half as tries from hooker Marnus van der Merwe, flanker Gideon van der Merwe and No 8 Jeandre Rudolph propelled the visitors to a 22-point lead.
Flanker Friedle Olivier’s try five minutes into the second half extended the visitors’ lead, but Olivier went from hero to villain moments later when he was sent to the bin for a tip-tackle.
This opened the gates for Griquas who ran in two tries courtesy of replacement hooker Gideon du Rand and winger Luther Obi, before Cheetahs winger Daniel Kasende’s converted try and Pienaar’s penalty extended the visitors’ lead.
Like Olivier, Kasende turned villain soon after when he was yellow-carded before Du Rand scored his second try for Griquas.
With Griquas building momentum, Kasende received a second yellow on the 80-minute mark and a subsequent red, but the Cheetahs stood resolute as they fended off the hosts with 14 men to come away with the victory.
? The Toyota Cheetahs are up and running in the 2023 #CurrieCup with an emphatic victory over last year’s finalist.#WhereLegendsRise
?: Toyota Cheetahs pic.twitter.com/4DZxgfNTap
— The Currie Cup (@TheCurrieCup) March 10, 2023
Photo: Twitter/@CheetahsRugby