Publications
Partners
This marked the second consecutive win for the men from Bloemfontein while their hosts will go on tour with seven straight losses behind them.
Although the score line may tell a different story, the Lions defence held up well in the opening stages of the match.
Some frantic tackling denied the visitors from scoring on three occasions.
The Cheetahs were content to take the numerous penalties on offer and on that front young Sias Ebersohn couldn't put a foot wrong all night.
As the match progressed the Lions defence -- for the first time this season -- started to resemble that of the team which went through the 2010 season without a win.
The loss also marked the two-year anniversary of the last time the Lions managed to secure a Super Rugby win at home.
Unlike in their previous two contest, the Cheetahs showed they can be a solid defensive unit, which will be important in their next fixture against the Crusaders in Bloemfontein.
One of the standout players for the visitors was flyhalf Ebersohn who kicked a perfect 10 out of 10.
Centre Corne Uys also shone with two tries, and the other three came courtsey of fullback Riaan Viljoen.
Skipper Adriaan Strauss again led from the front and showed why he is being considered to play for the Springboks in the World Cup later this year.
Another form of encouragement for the national coach was that flanker Heinrich Brussow lifted his performance another notch which means he could be back to his best form heading into the global showpiece in September.
The hosts fought back in the last 15 minutes of the match, but by then the Cheetahs had already sent on their replacements who had little more than defence practice against an inferior team.
Scorers:
Lions 19 (7): Tries: Josh Strauss, Michael Rhodes, Martin Bezuidenhout. Conversions: Burton Francis (2)
Cheetahs 53 (29): Tries: Corne Uys (2), Riaan Viljoen (3). Conversions: Sias Ebersohn (4), Naas Olivier. Penalties: Ebersohn (6)
