Staff Reporter.
The Pumas fought hard to secure a narrow 29-28 (halftime 14-7) Carling Currie Cup victory over the Toyota Cheetahs to keep their semifinal hopes alive at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Friday evening.
However, it could have ended in heartbreak for the visitors.
With less than a minute left on the clock, Ruan Pienaar had a chance to win for the hosts, but his penalty attempt went wide of the upright.
The win moved the Pumas into the top four with 27 points. Griquas are in third position with 31 points after their 43-41 comeback win over Western Province.
The Pumas and Griquas will face each other in a final-round clash in Nelspruit next weekend.
The Sharks are in fifth with 24 points ahead of their fixture against the Lions on Saturday. A win for the Durbanites will see them overtake the Pumas.
Meanwhile, the Cheetahs (43 points) picked up two losing bonus points and they are now four points behind log leaders the Bulls (47 points).
The Cheetahs will host the Bulls in next weekend’s final round.
Scorers
Toyota Free State Cheetahs – Tries: Louis van der Westhuizen (2), Gideon van der Merwe, Daniel Kasende; Conversions: Ruan Pienaar (4).
Airlink Pumas – Tries: Devon Williams (2), Tinus de Beer, Eddie Swart: Conversions: Eddie Fouche (3); Penalty: Fouche.