The Cheetahs have secured their spot in the 2023 Currie Cup final by defeating the Bulls 39-10 in their semi-final clash on Saturday. The team will now take on either the Sharks or Pumas in the final game. In the previous week, the Cheetahs had beaten the Bulls to finish top of the log. The semi-final game was a complete domination by the Cheetahs in every department, resulting in a deserving victory. On the other hand, Jake White and his Bulls team failed to win a trophy or make it to the final.
Johan Goosen, the Bulls fullback, had a rough start to the game, with his clearance kick being charged and resulting in the Cheetahs scoring their first try in the third minute. Goosen then missed a penalty minutes later and was also penalized for ill-discipline in the second half. Ruan Pienaar capitalized on the latter, kicking a penalty to give the Cheetahs an unassailable 32-10 lead. Goosen only managed to slot in one penalty in the first half, while the Bulls conceded several penalties allowing Pienaar to keep his side’s scoreboard ticking over. Tapiwa Mafura scored the Cheetahs’ second try on the stroke of half-time.
The Bulls had their moments in the first half, but their indifferent attacking play and strong Cheetahs defense prevented them from crossing the tryline. Johan Grobbelaar, the Bulls hooker, finally managed to score a try in the second half from a driving maul while the team was down by 23-3. However, it was too little too late, and the Cheetahs took control again with Pienaar slotting in three more penalties and Evardi Boshoff scoring a late try while the Bulls were down to 14 men.
The Bulls may be disappointed with their performance in the semi-final; however, the Cheetahs deserve credit for their all-round performance resulting in them hosting the final game next week.
