Naka pleased with intensity

Rudolph Jacobs

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske has lauded his team’s “intensity” in shocking the Stormers 25-17 in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

It was amazingly the Cheetahs’ third straight win at home against the Capetonians, while it also enabled the Bulls to knock the Stormers off the top of the SA Super Rugby Conference table.

“I was very happy with the intensity we showed in the first 40 minutes, but it was also important to show the same kind of approach in the second 40 and not allow soft moments,” said Drotske.

The Cheetahs started strongly to take a 18-3 lead by the 25th minute after tries by centre Michael van der Spuy and wing Rayno Benjamin, both former Stormers.

The Stormers did try and claw their way back with their fi rst try by wing Dillyn Leyds to trail 18-10 at the break after which skipper Duane Vermeulen’s try took them within a point.

“It was a typical SA derby and being an away game it was important for us to show up,” said Vermeulen. “We just needed to keep the ball but the Cheetahs always make it difficult for us coming here.”

Stormers replacement flyhalf Kurt Coleman was having a nightmare missing four kickable penalties in the second half.

The Cheetahs took full advantage in scoring their third try through fullback Clayton Blommetjies (above) in the 70th minute to open an eight-point gap, despite the protesting claims by Stormers flank Schalk Burger for alleged obstructive running.

The Cheetahs will enjoy a bye this week, while the Stormers host the Brumbies at Newlands on Saturday.