Lions

Lions beat Cheetahs by one point

Super Rugby

16th February 2008

The Lions secured their first victory over a South-African franchise in nine matches when they defeated the Cheetahs by 23-22 in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

It was both team’s opening match of the 2008 Super 14-season. Winger Eddie Fredericks opened the scoring in the second minute of the match when he scored in the right hand corner.

The Cheetahs scored three tries to the visitors’ two, but a penalty and a conversion missed by new flyhalf, Jacques-Louis Potgieter and another missed penalty by Conrad Barnard cost the home side dearly.

Potgieter didn’t put a foot wrong besides his two missed attempts at goal. He defended very well and launched a number of long range touch finders.

Although the Cheetahs enjoyed most of the possession and also had territorial advantage they led only 19-13 lead at the break.

Barend Pieterse the Cheetahs lock secured the lead at halftime when he scored after a lineout ball somehow landed in his hands.

Louis Strydom the visitors flyhalf kept his side in contention with his accurate boot.

His replacement, Earl Rose however helped the Lions to victory with his tactical kicking and also got the line away quicker.

Adriaan Strauss, the Cheetahs hooker was yellow-carded by referee Jonathan Kaplan for a spear tackle in the 52nd minute.

Ill-discipline cost the Cheetahs a penalty in front of their posts which Rose slotted to make the score 23-22 six minutes from time after they had been behind 13-22 at one stage.

Lions’ captain and flanker, Cobus Grobbelaar and Franco van der Merwe were the best players on the field.

Grobbelaar played a huge role in his team’s victory with his excellent ground play .

Springbok flanker and Cheetah-captain Juan Smith, also led his side from the front. He made a number of line breaks and was solid in defence.

Final Score Cheetahs 22 – Lions 23

Scorers:

Cheetahs 22 (19) :
Tries: Eddie Fredericks, Duanne Vermeulen Barend Pieterse.
Conversions: Jacques-Louis Potgieter 2.
Penalty: Potgieter.

Lions 23 (13):
Tries: Franco van der Merwe, Doppies la Grange.
Conversions: Louis Strydom, Earl Rose.
Penalties: Strydom 2, Rose.

Teams:

Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Eddie Fredericks, 13 JW Jonker, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Gavin Passens, 10 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 9 Falie Oelschig, 8 Duanne Vermeulen, 7 Juan Smith (captain), 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Rory Duncan, 4 Barend Pieterse, 3 Kobus Calldo, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Wian du Preez.
Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Bees Roux, 18 David de Villiers, 19 Kabamba Floors, 20 Darron Nell, 21 Tobie Botes, 22 Conrad Barnard.

Lions: 15 Louis Ludik, 14 Dusty Noble, 13 Jaco Pretorius (vc), 12 Doppies la Grange, 11 Rayno Benjamin, 10 Louis Strydom, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 RW Kember, 7 Franco van der Merwe, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar (captain), 5 Gerhard Mostert, 4 Anton van Zyl, 3 Ross Geldenhuys, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Heinke van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Gert-Andries van der Merwe, 17 Gavin Williamson, 18 Alten Hulme, 19 Joe van Niekerk, 20 Chris Jonck, 21 Earl Rose, 22 Jaco van Schalkwyk.

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Touch judges: JC Fortuin (South Africa), Fran’ois Veldsman (South Africa)
Television match official: Johan Meuwesen (South Africa)
Assessor: Arrie Schoonwinkel (South Africa)

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