Cheetahs face tough week after 'unacceptable' performance

REACTION: The Cheetahs require a quick and dramatic about-turn after losing their unbeaten Currie Cup record at the weekend.

Griquas stunned the high-flying Cheetahs in Kimberley to end their nine-game winning run – the home side outplaying the team from Bloemfontein to register a surprisingly comfortable 48-18 triumph.

The weekend’s results left the Bulls on 47 points, with a six-point lead at the top of the league standings.

However, the defending champions have played 11 games compared to the 10 by the Cheetahs, who are second on 41 points.

Thanks to their sensational result in Kimberley, Griquas jumped into third place with 26 points, two more than the Sharks (24), who had a bye this weekend.

The Pumas (fifth, 22 points), Western Province (sixth, 13 points) and Lions (seventh, 10 points) complete the rest of the standings with just two more rounds before the semifinals.

The penultimate round of league fixtures takes place this coming weekend – WP hosting Griquas in Stellenbosch on Friday, while the Cheetahs play the Pumas in Bloemfontein the same day. The Sharks and Lions clash the next day in Durban, while the Bulls have a bye.

A bitterly disappointed Cheetahs coach Hawies admitted they were outplayed in “all departments” by the Kimberley team.

“It is totally unacceptable,” Fourie said in reaction to the first loss of the season.

He described it as a game in which they achieve none of the goals they set for themselves.

“They were by far the better team on the day – as is reflected on the scoreboard.”

Fourie admitted they could not get any rhythm on attack and made too many errors on defence – with 20-odd missed tackles.

#ICYMI: Griquas made a big statement beating the Currie Cup favourites Cheetahs 46-18 in Kimberley on Saturday. #CurrieCup #GRIvCHE https://t.co/be1I09g8cC

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) May 29, 2022

“I the set pieces, especially in the scrums in the second half, we really struggled – with all the penalties awarded against us,” the coach added.

“There are plenty of aspects of our games that must improve.

“We have a tough week ahead, facing the Pumas [in Bloemfontein] on Friday.

“There is not much time to rectify all the mistakes.”

Fourie said they are fortunate not to have any serious injuries.

@rugby365com

#ICYMI: Bulls coach Gert Smal delivered some concerning news regarding their top-of-the-table clash against Cheetahs next month. #CurrieCup https://t.co/2CMxfZoqto

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) May 30, 2022