Cheetahs are alive and kicking

 

The Free State side find themselves in fifth position on the log after their 37-22 win against the Kings who sit bottom without a single win.

 

With the Blue Bulls, Western Province and the Golden Lions still to come, Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan admitted that bagging a full-house of five points in Port Elizabeth was key to their play-off ambitions.

 

"We have still go three tough games to go, but we knew we had to come away with five points here if we wanted to keep our play-off hopes alive," he said.

 

The visitors did not have things all their own way against the Kings, but Ducan was happy with the way his side were able to keep themselves composed.

 

"In the first half there were a number of frustrating moments, we tossed away a few opportunities but the guys kept hammering at it and eventually the tries came.

 

"We did a lot of homework on these guys and from an attacking point of view we knew we had to hang on to the ball and take it through the phases, and eventually we got it right.

 

"The breakdown was pretty good, we managed to stop them from stealing a couple of balls and we did turn over a couple of balls," he said.

 

Veteran scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius managed to score in his 100th Currie Cup game, and Duncan said that his versatility and finishing skills are invaluable.

 

"He is a magic guy to have in your team, I would have him in my team every day of the week.

 

"We moved him to the wing pretty early and he made a bit of a difference. He has got that x-factor and he can open up a game for you," he said.