Staff Reporter.
The Sharks certainly got warmed up in Bloemfontein ahead of this week’s resumption of the United Rugby Championship but it was the Cheetahs on the right side of the 40-34 result after a blistering game.
The Sharks outscored the Cheetahs by five tries to four, but it was the home side’s flyhalf, Siya Masuku, who stole the show by kicking 20 points in a flawless goal-kicking display.
The Cheetahs will be chuffed with this effort, especially after coach Hawies Fourie said earlier in the week they wanted to prove they can be competitive against South Africa’s United Rugby Championship teams.
The Cheetahs opened their campaign in the exhibition event with a 31-30 loss to Western Province last weekend, before thumping Diables Barcelona 99-15 in midweek.
The Toyota Challenge is hosted by the Bloemfontein franchise this month, with teams earning R250 000 for a victory.
There are also incentives for players making the most tackles, line breaks and turnovers on the ground.
The Player of the Match will win R10 000 for every match while the supporter who posts the most social media posts during the game with hashtag #ToyotaLegendSupport will win R10 000 and be crowned Supporter of the Match.
Scorers
Sharks – 34: Tries: Ruan Pienaar, Marnus Potgieter, Dian Bleuler, Anthony Volmink, Jeremy Ward. Penalties: Boeta Chamberlain. Conversions: Chamberlain (3)
Cheetahs – 40: Tries: Enver Brandt (2), David Brits (2). Penalties: Siya Masuku (4). Conversions: Masuku (4).