Recap
Cheetahs vs Blue Bulls: Dramatic 34-34 Draw in Bloemfontein Thriller
In a pulsating Currie Cup encounter at Bloemfontein on Friday, the Cheetahs and Blue Bulls played out a thrilling 34-34 draw. Aphiwe Dyantyi’s second-half brace and a late 50-meter penalty from fullback Boeta Chamberlain ensured the Bulls remained unbeaten in the competition.
The match started at a frenetic pace, with both sides showing an eagerness to run the ball. The Bulls struck first, with wing Stravino Jacobs breaking through the Cheetahs’ defense after receiving a pass from No.6 Nizaam Carr, who then dotted down for the visitors. Jaco van der Walt’s conversion made it 7-0. The Bulls extended their lead to 10 points when van der Walt slotted a penalty in the 31st minute after the Cheetahs were penalized for not rolling away.
Despite the early pressure, the Cheetahs managed to get on the scoreboard through an Ethan Wentzel penalty. The Bulls had another chance to score before halftime, but a knock-on by Carr after a quick tap penalty from scrumhalf Izak Burger allowed the Cheetahs to clear their lines. Wentzel kicked to touch, bringing the first half to a close with the Bulls leading 24-3.
The second half saw the Bulls continue their dominance with an early try from Burger, set up by Canan Moodie’s line break. The Bulls’ momentum continued with a beautiful cross-kick from replacement Chamberlain to Jacobs, who passed inside to Dyantyi for his first try of the match, extending the lead to 24-3.
However, the Cheetahs mounted a remarkable comeback, sparked by a try from No.8 Friedle Olivier in the 60th minute. This was followed by another try just two minutes later, as Wentzel’s attacking play led to Cohen Jasper crossing the line. The Cheetahs continued their onslaught, with Munier Hartzenberg scoring in the 66th minute after shrugging off a tackle attempt by Dyantyi. Carl Wegner’s try from a driving maul in the 70th minute gave the Cheetahs their first lead of the match.
Dyantyi struck back for the Bulls, catching another Chamberlain cross-kick to score his second try, reclaiming the lead. However, the Cheetahs were not done. Replacement hooker Vernon Paulo went over from a maul in the 74th minute, putting the hosts ahead once again. With just minutes remaining, Chamberlain held his nerve to slot a long-range penalty, leveling the score at 34-34.
The final moments were tense, with the Cheetahs having one last attacking opportunity. However, a knock-on by Jasper ended their hopes, and the Bulls secured the draw by kicking the ball into touch after the ensuing scrum.