Three wins in a row: Cheetahs
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A virtuoso display from Sias Ebersohn helped the Cheetahs to an 33-20 upset Super Rugby victory over an injury-hit Crusaders outfit in Bloemfontein.
The fly-half contributed 21 points for his side, with his brother also adding a score before Ashley Johnson crossed to cap a workmanlike success.
Naka Drotske's side did well from the outset to close Sonny Bill Williams' space down, giving the Crusaders playmaker little room to create magic.
The hosts opened the scoring with Ebersohn slotting over a penalty.
Crusaders fly-half Dan Carter missed in his attempt at the posts moments later, but soon afterwards the visitors scored the first try of the match. It came following good work from Robbie Freuan, who broke through the line to offload to the finishing Zac Guildford. Carter converted the try to give the Crusaders a four-point lead.
Despite a strong attacking performance in the opening moments of the match the Cheetahs lost too many balls at the contact area. They did get back onto the front foot from a Riaan Viljoen kick which was fielded by Sarel Pretorius. The home side secured quick ball with Ashley Johnson sending a long pass to Robert Ebersohn who stepped inside to score. His twin converted and then added three more points.
Carter then responded with a dummy and dart for the line just five minutes before the break. His conversion gave the Crusaders a one-point lead going in half-time.
After the interval Sias Ebersohn continued his fine form with a penalty in the 50th minute and moments later he confirmed his class with a converted try of his own.
With a 26-17 lead the Cheetahs' confidence grew at a steady pace as they kept the Crusaders from their goal line. The Crusaders only added only three points in the second half through a penalty kick from Mat Berquist who came on for Carter.
With seven minutes left in the match, standout forward Johnson scored an intercept try after the Crusaders fumbled the ball on attack and from there it was all too late for the men from Christchurch, who had also lost centre Williams to injury.
The scorers:
For Cheetahs:
Tries: R Ebersohn, S Ebersohn, Johnson
Con: S Ebersohn 3
Pen: S Ebersohn 4
For Crusaders:
Tries: Guildford, Carter
Con: Carter 2
Pen: Carter 2
Cheetahs: 15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Riaan Smit, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Corne Uys, 11 Rayno Benjamin, 10 Sias Ebersohn, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Davon Raubenheimer, 7 Ashley Johnson, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 4 Francois Uys, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss (capt), 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Lourens Adriaanse, 18 Waltie Vermeulen, 19 Kabamba Floors, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Naas Olivier, 22 Hennie Daniller.
Crusaders: 15 Tom Marshall, 14 Robbie Fruean, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Willi Heinz, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (capt), 6 George Whitelock, 5 Chris Jack, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Joe Wheeler, 19 Matt Todd, 20 Steve Alfeld, 21 Matt Berquist, 22 Brent Ward.
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Comments
7ton says...
Ramage
That's no surprise tri-nats is always bagging the refs especially when his team loses so we shouldn't really count him
Posted 12:38 18th May 2011
Ramage says...
@7ton go to the referees and laws section and you will find Trinats still bagging the referees.
Posted 11:39 18th May 2011
Ramage says...
@7ton go to the referees and laws section and you will find Trinats still bagging the referees.
Posted 11:28 18th May 2011
7ton says...
Ryan
I don't think a great many Crusaders supporters are using injuries as an excuse rather a few perhaps took the wrong meaning from your first reaction to what could be described as a mis-leading headline. Many seem to be complimenting the Cheetahs.
Speaking of excuses it is nice too see none of the usual comments about biased referees and players cheating in regards to THIS game
Posted 19:01 17th May 2011
Ramage says...
@ stellenbosched mate when I get to South Africa I will certainly look you up and take you up on that wine you have offered probably bring a few of the best NZ vintages for you to sample. We can sit back drain a few glasses and argue all day about this wonderful game. The real problem with a forum like this is that you cant see the smile or evil grin on the face of the author and the written word can often be misinterpreted. With a name like Stellenbosched does that mean you are a Stormers man I know you are a proud Bok supporter but as I never presume I ask as to your Super team of preference. I hope you too are looking forward to the last few weeks of the qualifying rounds to see who goes forward. The Stormers have a few games to get past in the next few weeks. Then the Waratahs have their South African tour to get past and to me the Highlanders Waratahs game will be quite important to both. The Bulls now at home are hitting their straps and also have a few obstacles to get past but could hurt a number of leading Sth African teams. The Cheetahs can not be overlooked the Chiefs too could cause problems and the Blues are by no means secure. The Crusaders Reds game I hope will be another of those games we all love to watch. So yes it is going to be very interesting and the upsets will continue to roll in and this forum will be buzzing with claim and counter claim bring it on. Oh boy does Jake White have aproblem next year be interesting to see if he can resurrect the Bumbies or send them to the Abbatoir.
Posted 14:27 16th May 2011
KiwiLad says...
Yes Stellenboshed, I am somewhat speechless about this result...
Well dont the Cheetahs.
Posted 10:35 16th May 2011
hayj05 says...
This game was always going to be tough for the Saders, 3rd game on tour, massive game last week, number of injuries that have totally disrupted their much vaunted backline, cheetahs in some form & once Carter & SBW were gone, which are the most vital cog in the backline, I always knew the Saders were going to find it extremely hard to win from there.
I still believe the Saders are still the best team in NZ, They beat SA top 3 teams & have beaten all their Australian opponents so far. 2 of the 3 games they lost , they really only had a shadow team.
Posted 21:57 15th May 2011
hayj05 says...
This game was always going to be tough for the Saders, 3rd game on tour, massive game last week, number of injuries that have totally disrupted their much vaunted backline, cheetahs in some form & once Carter & SBW were gone, which are the most vital cog in the backline, I always knew the Saders were going to find it extremely hard to win from there.
I still believe the Saders are still the best team in NZ, They beat SA top 3 teams & have beaten all their Australian opponents so far. 2 of the 3 games they lost , they really only had a shadow team.
Posted 21:57 15th May 2011
dylster says...
@ ryan
we arent using injuries as an excuse - PR bought that up not us. We were beaten by the better team who played with awesome determination and passion. Maybe you should try being a bit more gracious in victory?
@ Ramage
great post! thought the ref had a good game. There was one decision I wasnt sure about - Cheetahs No15 coming thru from the side of the ruck and slapping the ball out of Heinz's hands resulting in Ebersohn try? I thought he would have had to come thru the middle - Im not sure bout this hence the question and not taking anything away from the Cheetahs performance
Posted 21:38 15th May 2011
FTM89 says...
Sias Eberson made the previous three weeks the most points on flyhalf and still he is not in the springbok sqaud.....? ? ?
Posted 16:31 15th May 2011
Ramage says...
Cmon stellenbosched the best we have to offer once again your over the top. Worth pointing out the backline was decimated with only Carter Williams both leaving the field and it showed as the backline did not function with so many changes. as well the two main locks for the Crusaders have been out for a number of games. However I do not take away from the Cheetahs their magnificent win based around a mighty defence it was well and truly deserved. If Stellenbosched you wish to use your description then have a look at the best South Africa had to offer humbled in their first outing in NZ by the fourth placed NZ team the Chiefs. Not a good start in their quest to win the South African franchise. Congratulations to the Lions who unlike the Stormers had a win against a rather pathetic Brumbies better wish Jake White well next year he has a big task ahead of him.
What is in front of us is some very interesting games for the rest of the competition and with what has happened this week we better get ready for some more upsets before the six teams are selected to play off for the finals. We have some more exciting rugby in front of us so bring it on.
Posted 13:45 15th May 2011
runnrugby says...
@ sillysonofa. The cheetahs might have the worst defence and no significant internationals, but they have scored more points than SA's top sides who are packed with internationals.
Im not sure why everone says the Crusaders are NZs best since the blues have been on top for a while now. Thats like saying the bulls are SA's best because they are full of springboks like Matfield, Steyn, Du Preez, Botha and Steyn.
The blues will face the stormers for another top of the table clash next week. The stormers will be hurting and so will the blues.
Posted 12:43 15th May 2011
aussiebastard says...
When is everyone going to realise teams are only as good as they are on the day. Enough of this best team in NZ/AUS/SA beaten by.... As proven this week, last week and definitely next week, teams are going to get up when they need to. Congrats Cheetahs.
Posted 11:59 15th May 2011
Bones7 says...
The Cheetahs have always been a conveyor belt of great workmanlike players, who are big, fit and strong but they have always lacked just a player or two extra with a bit of class to take them to the next level. Sias Ebersohn and Sarel Pretorius have really provided that this season and I hope they are rewarded with the international game time they deserve.
Posted 11:53 15th May 2011
hemip says...
strongest on paper but not the team that's been playing all season, well done cheetahs though and the chiefs for taking care of the stormers.
Posted 10:15 15th May 2011
FTM89 says...
The `saders is a great team, but the Cheetahs brought their defence and scored from the saders mistakes...We deserve the win...
Posted 09:31 15th May 2011
FTM89 says...
The Crusaders is a brilliant team but the Cheetah brought there defence and scored from the `Sades mistakes...
Posted 09:17 15th May 2011
hayj05 says...
Still plenty of injuries though & Carter was taken off just as he was starting to control the match. No one's taking away from what was an impressive defensive display by the Cheetahs though.
Posted 09:16 15th May 2011
ZAoorALLES_4E says...
I would say the Cheethas and Crusaders are pretty equal now in terms of injuries...
Seems like the author left that out_This season is turning out to be quite a character test. Who thinks S.Ebersohn should be included in the potential Bok squad,instead of maybe...Lambie?
Posted 08:03 15th May 2011
martinmarais78 says...
Great job done by the Cheetahs on an almost All Black team! Sorry to say but guys like the Ebersohn brothers, Coenie Oosthuizen, Sarel Pretorius, Ashley Johnson, Riaan Viljoen etc. all have SHARKS fish head written across them... Sharks can never develop the same character and team spirit with there own daggakoppie surfers and therefore the above mentioned names will probably take the Bismark/Jannie du Plessis, Ruan Pienaar, Hendry Honniball, Pieter Muller, Andre Joubert etc etc route...
Posted 07:43 15th May 2011