The Free State Cheetahs outplayed the Eastern Province Elephants in their Bankfin Currie Cup clash in Bloemfontein on Saturday with the home team running out convincing 75-21 winners.
The visitors had no answer to a slick Cheetahs outfit, playing one of the best games of running rugby seen in the Currie Cup competition so far. Boela du Plooy's team scored nine tries with the Mighty Elephants only dotting down on three occasions.
The hometeam led 37-0 at the break with first half tries coming from Wylie Human (2), Isak Job and Andries van der Linden. Flyhalf Conrad Barnard added the four conversions and three penalties.
The Free Staters signalled their Currie Cup aspirations with a brilliant first half, taking the wind out of a beleagured EP's sails. The visitors scored their first points with lock Nicky Smit going over shortly after halftime.
But the irrepresivble Cheetahs answered with a try from impressive fullback Leon van den Heever to take the score to 44-7. Elephants winger Fabien Juries then went over twice to give the visitors some consolation on a day belonging to the young Free Staters. Juries looked dangerous all afternoon but sadly got to little ball to run with.
More tries from Helgard Brink, Vorster Zeilinga, Edrick Fredericks and a second from Van den Heever turned the game into a long afternoon for the visitors. Barnard, who added 30 points with the boot, was named Man of the Match.
Another player to impress for the hosts was Cats right wing Wylie Human, who thrived with the surfeit of possession.
Scorers:
Cheetahs - Tries: Wylie Human (2), Leon van den Heever (2), Isak Job, Andries van der Linden, Helgard Brink, Vorster Zeilinga, Edrick Fredericks; Conversions: Conrad Barnard (9); Penalties: Barnard (4).
Elephants - Tries: Fabien Juries (2), Nicky Smit; Conversions: Monwabisi Mdyesha (3). - Sapa