Cheetahs cost themselves

Cheetahs captain Adriaan Strauss was left disappointed with his side's erratic performance against the Bulls on Saturday.

The Cheetahs, enjoying their best Super Rugby season since becoming a franchise, challenged the Bulls in every area, particularly at the scrums, but had to be content with a losing bonus point at home.

That puts the Bloemfontein outfit in fifth place overall on the log, well in contention for a spot in the knockout stages, but eight points adrift of the Bulls at the top of the South African conference.

Strauss said that his side had cost themselves by allowing the Bulls to dictate terms, and grab the initiative.

"We knew before the game that we needed to get out of our own half but, especially in the first half, we couldn't do that.

"We also gave the Bulls the opportunity to run at us the whole game. We made it quite tough on ourselves.

"We are an attacking side and we couldn't get into their half and start running with the ball."

Some ill discipline also cost the hosts, with Steyn's accurate kicking boot punishing the Cheetahs for any offences within striking distance.

"I must admit that a lack of discipline at crucial moments did cost us a fair bit," Strauss said.

"Our line-outs were also a big problem as we couldn't get any platform to play from there, especially when we got the line-out in their half. We couldn't capitalise on that.

"There are some positives, but in general we are very disappointed with the outcome," he added.

SAPA