Sad Cheetahs sing the Blues

Showing too many soft touches on defence, the embattled Cheetahs started their Super Rugby away leg yesterday in a high-scoring 5032 loss to the Blues in Auckland.

Outscoring the visitors by eight tries to four, the Blues led 24-18 at the break having already scored four first-half tries to the two by the Cheetahs, but stepped on the pedal in the second, taking advantage of some woeful tackling by the Cheetahs.

It was the Cheetahs ninth loss in 11 matches and also their 11th straight defeat away from home, underlining why their Super Rugby future is cast in doubt.

A quick 21 unanswered points and three tries in seven minutes by the Blues after the break saw the lead rapidly growing to 45-18 and from there on the Cheetahs were forced to play catch-up.

While initially not completely outplayed and holding their own in the tight exchanges, the Cheetahs started losing their grip on the game when Blues flanker Steven Luatua scored their fifth try six minutes after half-time for a handy 31-18 lead.

Missing 11 tackles in the first half, the Cheetahs ensured they stayed in touch with two late penalties in the two minutes before half-time by flyhalf Fred Zeilinga to close the gap to just six points.

Earlier the Cheetahs started well by scoring the first points of the game through centre and captain Francois Venter (above) to lead 5-0 under a pile of bodies.

It also looked promising after another well-constructed try by hooker Torsten van Jaarsveld from a maul saw them 12-7 ahead after the Blues scored their opener by wing Rieko Ioane.

But the Blues then struck to score three quick tries between the 18th and 34th minutes – by lock Scott Scrafton, flank Akira Ioane and lock Patrick Tuipolotu – to take a 24-12 advantage.