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The Cheetahs scored six tries to secure a bonus point.
The
home side came into the match with a number of their stalwarts, such as
flyhalves Johan Goosen, Sias Ebersohn and Riaan 'True Blue' Smit and
wing Rayno Benjamin injured, which meant that regular scrumhalf Tewis
de Bruyn started in the number 10 jersey.
Although not a recognized flyhalf, he did exceptionally well both on the attack and defense. His goal kicking was also a major factor for the home team.
Griquas were seen as favourites because they fielded the same side that impressed against the Blue Bulls last week, but the Cheetahs' depth was the deciding factor, with players like replacement prop Trevor Nyakane and wing Philip Burger making a huge impact when they were called up from the bench.
Free State battled in the first couple of minutes
with Griquas getting quality ball and converting that possession into
early points with Riaan Viljoen finishing a fine break by scrumhalf
Sarel Pretorius.
Griquas led 10-0 before the Cheetahs awoke with a fine piece of play by winger Cameron Jacobs and later flank Lappies Labuschagne giving the home team the advantage.
The Cheetahs
started the second half where they left off the first with Labuschagne
scoring his second five pointer before hooker and captain Adriaan
Strauss scored his own try.
That sparked another stanza of excellent
play by the home side with Burger and centre Werner Griesel, on loan
from the Griffons, each scoring a try.
A final spurt by Griquas saw wing Dusty Noble, prop Stef Roberts and scrum half Pretorius crossing the line.
