Cheetahs run out of steam

The unlucky Cheetahs ran out of legs as the Highlanders staged an amazing comeback to snatch a 45-41 victory in a pulsating Super Rugby game in Bloemfontein last night.

With 12 tries scored, with each team running in six tries, it was the Highlanders’ ability to score three tries in the last five minutes which stunned the homeside.

The Highlanders managed to score 21 points in the last five minutes, and their never-say-die attitude and superb conditioning proved to be the real difference.

Wing Waisake Nohole, sensing the Cheetahs getting tired, scored his second try – and match-winner – in the 81st minute, as the Cheetahs saw a 17-point advantage went down the drain.

The Cheetahs lead 15-10 at the break, while indiscipline and two yellow cards, to the Cheetahs’ one, almost cost the Highlanders dearly.

Three Cheetahs tries between the 55th and 60th minutes through flank Oupa Mohoje, scrumhalf Tian Meyer’s second in his 50th game and prop Ox Nche created a big advantage to the roaring Cheetahs.

With the Cheetahs holding a 22-10 lead after scoring their third try through hooker Torsten van Jaarsveld, the Highlanders started their comeback to respond with their second try by centre Rob Thomson to close the gap to just 22-17.

Minutes later wing Nohole scored their third after great running by fullback Matt Faddes for a 24-22 lead.

The Cheetahs scored two great tries in the first half with Meyer getting his first and wing Sergeal Perersen the second after visiting fullback Matt Faddes was controversially yellow carded.