Cheetahs pleased with win over Kings
Cheetahs hooker and captain Adriaan Strauss was pleased with his side's seventh win of the Super Rugby competition, a 26-12 victory over the Southern Kings in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Despite the win, the Free State outfit were unable to secure a bonus point for scoring four tries.
"We gave ourselves an opportunity twice to score the fourth try, but we just couldn't finish."
Strauss said it was important his side made sure of the victory before going for a bonus point.
"With 13 minutes to go we took the kick at goal. It was for a deficit of 14 points and to secure the game. In the remaining minutes we backed ourselves to score that fourth try and we almost did so.
"We did create the opportunities to score but just couldn't capitalise on them. We were over the try-line no less than three times, but we just couldn't get it."
The Cheetahs now have a bye as their gruelling schedule has a brief respite.
"We've played ten games on the trot, but still fatigue did not set in against the Kings. The bye has come at a welcome time though. I must say that we are going to enjoy the week off."
Despite the 14 point win, Strauss said the King provided a stern test for his charges.
"The Kings are very tough. They played a very tough game and are a very physical side. We knew that it was going to be difficult against them. That's why we took the win. Four points are a very good result against these guys and we are very happy with that."
The Springbok hooker's relative Andries Strauss captained the Kings after switching from the Cheetahs at the end of last season.
Strauss admitted their loss without a single bonus point was not the outcome the Kings were hoping for.
"Obviously this wasn't the result we came after," said Strauss.
"Our performance just was not good enough to get a victory here. We made a lot of mistakes at crucial times and allowed the Cheetahs to score two really good tries that put us under pressure."
SAPA