The Cheetahs caused the upset of the weekend with a 33-20 win over the Crusaders in their Super Rugby clash in Bloemfontein.
The Bloemfontein franchise secured their third consecutive win over one of the competition’s log leaders with flyhalf Sias Ebersohn playing a pivotal role.
The Cheetahs did well from the outset to close Crusaders centre Sonny Bill Williams’ space down, giving the Crusaders’ playmaker little room to attack.
The hosts opened the scoring with Ebersohn slotting over a penalty a few moments after the start of the match.
Crusaders flyhalf Dan Carter missed in his attempt at the posts moments later, but soon afterwards the visitors scored the first try of the match.
The Cheetahs defence held strongly until the ninth minute when Robbie Freuen broke through the line to load off to Crusaders fullback Zac Guildford on his outside, with Guyildford going over for the try.
Carter converted to give the Crusaders a four-point lead.
Despite a strong attacking performance in the opening moments of the match, the Cheetahs lost too many balls at the contact area.
The Cheetahs, however, got on to the front foot from a Riaan Viljoen kick which was fielded by Sarel Pretorius.
The hosts secured quick ball from the breakdown with Ashley Johnson sending a long pass to Robert Ebersohn, who stepped inside to score.
His twin brother converted to level the score shortly before the first quarter of the match.
The Cheetahs flyhalf was the standout player on the night with pinpoint tactical kicking and a near flawless goal kicking performance.
It should be noted that the Cheetahs forwards were dominant enough to keep the pressure off their flyhalf.
The home team also fell for a dummy when Dan Carter sold one to the Cheetahs defence for his try, five minutes before the break.
Carter converted to give his team a one-point lead going into the halftime break.
After the interval Sias Ebersohn continued his fine form with a penalty in the 50th minute and minutes later he confirmed his class with a converted try of his own.
With a 26-17 lead the Cheetahs’ confidence grew as they kept the Crusaders from their goal line.
The Crusaders only added only three points in the second half through a penalty kick from Mathew Berquist who substituted Carter.
With seven minutes left in the match, forward Ashley Johnson scored an intercept try after the Crusaders fumbled the ball on attack.
The visitors attacked valiantly in the dying moments, but the resurgent Cheetahs’ team defence held on to secure a win for the long-suffering team. – Sapa