REDS REPEL CHEETAHS

MUNSTER held off a stunning fightback from Cheetahs in Bloemfontein yesterday to end their run of Pro14 losses on the road. Johann van Graan’s men looked to be on shaky ground after surrendering a 17-point lead as the Cheetahs found their groove in the second half. A try from hooker Kevin O’Byrne sent Munster in 15-5 ahead at the break and when Liam Coombes added another just after their return, an easy win looked to be on the cards. However, the home side responded with tries from prop Ox Nche and hooker Joseph Dweba, his second, and Rhyno Smith to put Cheetahs 26-22 ahead entering the last quarter. Munster full-back Mike Haley pounced for a crucial try though, before substitute Rory Scannell — who replaced captain Tyler Bleyendaal with 20 minutes to go — kicked a late penalty to seal it. The win moves Munster into second place in Conference A as the league takes a break. Their next game is away to Zebre on November 25. CHEETAHS: R Smith; W Small-Smith (T Meyer 35), BJ van Rensberg, N Lee, R Maxwane; T Shoeman, S Venter (capt); O Nche (C Marais 69), J Dweba, A Coetzee (E de Jager 69); W Steenkamp, JP du Preez (J Basson 46); G Olivier, J Pokamela (A Nonkontwana 69), A Davis (D Maartens 46). Scorers — Tries: Dweba (2), Nche, Smith. Cons: Schoeman (3). MUNSTER: M Haley; L Coombes, S Daly, T Bleyendaal (capt, R Scannell 59), A Wootton; B Johnston (I Keatley 59), A Mathewson (D Williams 51); J Cronin (J Loughman 59), K O’Byrne, S Archer (J Ryan 59); J Kleyn (S O’Connor 59), D O’Shea; F Wycherley, C Cloete, A Botha (G Coombes 63). Yellow card: Cloete 26. Scorers — Tries: Botha, O’Bryne, Coombes, Haley. Cons: Johnston (2). Pens: Johnston, Scannell. Referee: M Mitrea (Italy).