Skipper breaks down victory

The Cheetahs had decided beforehand to target the Sunwolves at the breakdown, captain Torsten van Jaarsveld revealed after the game, and it proved to be a key element to their win in Tokyo at the weekend.

The struggling Cheetahs earned a commanding 47-7 win over the Sunwolves to snap a ninematch Super Rugby losing streak.

“We knew they were one of the teams in Super Rugby who keep the ball the best,” Van Jaarsveld said.

“So we had to target their breakdown, and using turnover ball is the best way to score tries in Super Rugby.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game at the end of the tour in Tokyo, but the boys responded well. We played a more direct type of game and it really worked out for us.”

The Cheetahs led 14-0 at the break but it was really the last 12 minutes in which they took control, adding 28 points to their score, which underlined the value of their bench.

“It was definitely a full squad effort,” the skipper said.

“I think the guys from the bench really made a massive difference coming on, bringing more energy into the game.

“In the first half we didn’t really play to our full potential and used up all our energy, and it was really hot, so it was great to come away with the result.”

With lock Francois Uys set to leave at the end of the season after almost 10 years, Van Jaarsveld gave the last conversion to the popular former captain.

“Francois has been a real soldier for Cheetahs rugby for nine years and we are really going to miss him,” Van Jaarsveld said.

“We wish him the best and I think he really made a massive difference in the game.”