The Cheetahs continued their impressive winning streak with a dominant performance against Western Province, securing their fifth consecutive win over their rivals with a final score of 37-17.
Match Context
The Cheetahs demonstrated their prowess in both attack and defense, maintaining control throughout the match despite some defensive lapses. The Western Province struggled to keep up, conceding 16 penalties and failing to capitalize on their possession advantage.
Key Moments
First Half:
- 3′: Du Plessis opened the scoring for Western Province with a try (0-5).
- 6′: Kasende responded for the Cheetahs, leveling the score with a converted try (7-7).
- 22′: Matthee added a penalty goal for Western Province, edging them ahead (7-10).
- 25′: Wentzel’s try for the Cheetahs, converted by Matthee, tied the game again (10-10).
- 28′: Van der Merwe’s penalty goal brought the Cheetahs level once more (10-10).
Second Half:
- 42′: Wentzel struck early in the second half with a try, giving the Cheetahs the lead (13-10).
- 48′: Hartzenberg extended the lead with another try (18-10).
- 49′: Wentzel again found the try line (20-10).
- 51′: Rudolph added to the Cheetahs’ tally (25-10).
- 52′: Wentzel completed his hat-trick (27-10).
- 64′: Velleman managed a try for Western Province (27-15).
- 64′: Matthee added the conversion (27-17).
- 71′: Paulo scored a try for the Cheetahs (32-17).
- 76′: Paulo sealed the victory with another try (37-17).
Game Statistics
Tackles Made:
- Cheetahs: 113
- Western Province: 92
Tackles Missed:
- Cheetahs: 31
- Western Province: 22
Penalties Conceded:
- Cheetahs: 12
- Western Province: 16
Main Stats:
- Penalty Goals: Cheetahs 2 – 1 WP
- Tries: Cheetahs 5 – 2 WP
- Conversions: Cheetahs 3 – 2 WP
- Carries: Cheetahs 73 – 95 WP
- Line Breaks: Cheetahs 6 – 2 WP
- Turnovers Lost: Cheetahs 12 – 10 WP
- Turnovers Won: Cheetahs 2 – 5 WP
Tactical Analysis
The Cheetahs’ ability to exploit gaps in Western Province’s defense, coupled with their effective tackling, was key to their victory. Despite missing 31 tackles, the Cheetahs’ attacking efficiency and superior line breaks (6 to 2) proved decisive. Western Province’s high penalty count and inability to convert possession into points highlighted their struggle to keep pace with the Cheetahs’ relentless attack.
Conclusion
The Cheetahs’ fifth consecutive win over Western Province underscores their dominance in this fixture. Their blend of robust defense and dynamic attack positions them as strong contenders in the Currie Cup.