The British & Irish Lions held on for a 26 – 24 win over a spirited Cheetahs side atVodacom Park in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

The Cheetahs missed a number of kicks at goal, which if converted would’ve made them the first Free State team to beat the Lions since 1924.

Replacement flyhalf Louis Strydom attempted a long-range drop goal with two minutes to go but unfortunately for the former Golden Lions pivot and his new team it sailed wide.

It was heartbreaking stuff for the men from Bloemfontein who gave the Lions their first real test of their 10-match tour and Ian McGeechan and his troops will certainly breathe a sigh of relief that the sands of time ran out on the hosts.

Openside flank Heinrich Brussow was outstanding for the Cheetahs as he secured turnover after turnover and tackled anything that moved.

He led the charge at the breakdown, a facet of play that the Cheetahs notably outplayed the visitors in, and was strong with ball in hand. Hooker Adriaan Strauss also had a good showing before he made way for his cousin Richardt.

For the Lions, No 6 Stephen Ferris – who was named Man of the Match – caught the eye, as well as No 8 Andy Powell, flyhalf James Hook, outside centre Keith Earls and fullback Lee Byrne.

Hook – who put on a flawless goal-kicking exhibition of six from six – put the Lions in the lead in the fifth minute after the Cheetahs were penalised for not rolling away.

Cheetahs flyhalf Jacques-Louis Potgieter had an opportunity to level the scores but his kick sailed wide. In the 10th minute, the ball popped out of a ruck and openside flanker Stephen Ferris collected the ball and ran in for a simple try.

Meyer Bosman opted to kick when the Cheetahs had momentum going forward but put it out on the full. From the subsequent lineout the ball went out to Hook who chipped forward. Keith Earls collected and easily beat two defenders to extend the Lions lead.

Hook added another penalty before try-scorer Ferris was yellow carded for deliberately slowing the ball down in the red zone. It proved to be a major turning point in the match. With a man advantage, the Cheetahs patiently set up phase after phase, sucking the defenders in. The ball found its way to Potgieter who executes a cut out pass to Demas and the speedster went over for the try.

The locals were suddenly playing with newfound confidence and when Strauss secured a turnover and sent it wide to Demas, the flyer seemed to be on his way for his second. With the cover defence hauling him in, Demas grubbered forward but it went over the dead ball line.

Moments later, Brussow secured a brilliant turnover on the deck that allowed loosehead Wian du Preez to run straight over Lee Byrne for another five pointer.

The Lions dominated the scrums and forced a penalty, which Hook slotted to see out the half.

Half time: Cheetahs 14-23 British & Irish Lions

An energy sapping third quarter saw the two flyhalves exchange penalties before Louis Strydom replaced Potgieter in the pivotal position. He soon stepped up for a penalty but it went off the side of his boot.

Then, in the 74th minute, with the Lions threatening on attack, Cheetahs centre Corne Uys intercepted from his own 22m and ran the length of the field for an opportunistic try against the run of play. Strydom’s conversion brought the Cheetahs within two.

The visitors were feeling the pressure and conceded a penalty. Being too far out, the Cheetahs set up a lineout. From there, the hosts edged their way up field and Strydom fell back into the pocket. His long-range drop goal narrowly sailed wide and the Lions held on for the narrowest of wins.

SARugby.com Man of the Match: Andy PowellTries: Demas, Du Preez, Uys
Conversions: Potgieter (2) Strydom (1)
Penalties: Potgieter (1)
Drop Goals: (0)
Yellow/Red Cards: (0)

Score summary:

Cheetahs – 24

British & Irish Lions – 26
Tries: Ferris, Earls
Conversions: Hook (2)
Penalties: Hook (4)
Drop Goals: (0)
Yellow/Red Cards: Ferris (1)

Source: sarugby.com

Pic: supersport.co.za

Tags: british & Irish Lions, cheetahs