Cheetahs crush Black Lion to level Challenge Series

MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs produced a commanding second-half display to beat Black Lion 24-5 in the second round of the Challenge Series at Toyota Stadium on Sunday, bouncing back strongly after last week’s narrow defeat.

After a 38-39 loss to the Georgians in the opening round, the Cheetahs entered the fixture determined to set the record straight – and they delivered with a performance full of intent, aggression, and composure.

Head coach Frans Steyn had emphasized the need for an 80-minute performance, and while the Cheetahs weren’t flawless, they showed far greater urgency on defense and efficiency with ball in hand. The hosts ran in four tries and restricted the visitors to a single score.

The Cheetahs led 7-0 at halftime and added three more tries in the second half to seal a hard-fought but deserved victory.

Wing Prince Nkabinde was the star of the show, crossing twice – once in each half – to cap off an impressive outing.

The result means the Challenge Series ends level, with both sides winning one match apiece. The series serves as valuable preparation for the upcoming European Challenge Cup, where both teams will compete in December 2025 and January 2026.

The game began at a cautious pace, with both sides guilty of handling errors and misdirected kicks. Black Lion attempted to control territory with high balls, but a few went directly into touch, halting their momentum.

The Cheetahs’ first real chance came from a driving maul inside Black Lion’s five-metre area, but a turnover cost them possession. After 20 minutes of tense play, the score remained 0-0.

Moments later, the hosts capitalised on a loose ball when Prince Nkabinde pounced and sprinted over for the opening try. Franco Smith added the extras to give the Cheetahs a 7-0 lead.

Black Lion flyhalf Luka Tsirekidze missed a penalty attempt before halftime, and despite late pressure from the visitors, the Cheetahs held firm to take their advantage into the break.

The second half was a bruising contest, with tempers flaring around the 50-minute mark after a scuffle broke out between the forwards. The referee opted for a team warning instead of yellow cards.

Black Lion finally broke through in the 55th minute when Shalva Mamukashvili powered over from a maul to narrow the gap to 7-5.

However, the Cheetahs responded immediately. A turnover led to a swift counterattack, and Michael Annies showed blistering pace to finish in the corner, extending the lead to 12-5.

The momentum stayed with the hosts as Janse van Rensburg crashed over from a maul to make it 17-5, before Nkabinde sealed the win with his second try late in the game. Clayton Blommetjies slotted the conversion to complete the 24-5 scoreline.

In the earlier fixture, the Cheetahs Legends went down narrowly 22–25 against the Bulls Legends in an entertaining contest.

Man of the Match: Fullback Michael Annies was superb with ball in hand and scored a fine solo try, but the standout performer was Prince Nkabinde, whose pace and finishing ability proved decisive.

The scorers:

For Cheetahs
Tries: Nkabinde 2, Annies, Janse van Rensburg
Cons: Smith, Blommetjies

For Black Lion
Try: Mamukashvili

Teams

Cheetahs: 15 Michael Annies, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Marco Janse van Vuren, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Makhaza Ntokozo, 10 Franco Smith, 9 Jandre Nel, 8 Sisonke Vumazonke, 7 Pierre Raymond Uys, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Juan Venter, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1 Tielman Niewoudt
Replacements: 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Tebogo Nkosi, 18 Frankie Dos Reis, 19 Arno van der Merwe, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Clayton Blommetjies, 23 James Verity-Amm.

Black Lion: 15 Luka Takaishvili, 14 Akaki Tabutsadze, 13 Tornike Kakhoidze, 12 Lasha Malaguradze, 11 Otar Metreveli, 10 Luka Tsirekidze, 9 Tengiz Pranidze, 8 Giorgi Sinauridze, 7 Giorgi Tsutskiridze, 6 Sandro Mamamtavrishvili, 5 Demur Epremidze, 4 Mikheil Babunashvili (captain), 3 Kakhaber Darbaidze, 2 Irakli Kvatadze, 1 Dato Abdushelishvili
Replacements: 16 Shalva Mamukashvili, 17 Vasil Kokovin, 18 Giorgi Chkhartishvili, 19 Guga Ganiashvili, 20 Lasha Tsikhistavi, 21 Giorgi Kervalishvili, 22 Giorgi Spanderashvili, 23 Alexander Todua.

Referee: Hanru van Rooyen
Assistant Referees: Scott Oliver, Clearance Khumalo
TMO: Ben Crouse