Cheetah flags fly in Goudstad | Rhewal

A proud Cheetah moment. The Free Staters scored more than 50 points against the Lions at Ellis Park. (Photo: Twitter/Toyota Cheetahs)

The Cheetahs took advantage of the Lions’ poor discipline today to beat the Johannesburgers 52 – 15 at Ellis Park.

The home team had to make do with 14 players for most of the game after Raynard Roets charged Oupa Mohoje with his shoulder.

Tapiwa Mafura undoubtedly packed his dancing shoes because he waltzed past the Lions defenders a few times from the last stronghold.

The Cheetahs’ full-back, who was born in Zimbabwe, scored a hat-trick of tries to completely take the wind out of the home team’s sails.

Then Jeandré Rudolph impressed with his rock-hard tackling game, while Ruan Pienaar showed that he is still a master behind the scrum and kicking.

Even though he celebrated his 39th birthday last month.

The spectacular victory means that the Cheetahs now have 20 points together with the Pumas in the official standings, but the team from Mpumalanga’s points difference looks better.

The Lions are fifth in the standings, but the team is still breathing down the Sharks’ and Western Province’s necks.

Cheetahs: Tries: Tapiwa Mafura (3), Jeandré Rudolph (2), Marko Janse van Rensburg, Daniel Maartens and Louis van der Westhuizen. Goal kicks: Ruan Pienaar (5) and Reinhardt Fortuin.

Lions: Tries: Darrien-Lane Landsberg and Michael van Vuuren. Goal kick: Vaughen Isaacs. Penalty: Isaacs.

1. Pumas: 20 points
2. Cheetahs: 20 points
3. Western Province: 15 points
4. Sharks: 14 points
5. Lions: 13 points
6. Griquas: 10 points
7. Blue Bulls: 8 points
8. Griffons: 6 points.