The Cheetahs are still well in the hunt to qualify for the last 16 of the Challenge Cup, despite a tight 20-17 defeat against the Scarlets at Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli, Wales on Saturday night.
It was the second consecutive defeat for the Cheetahs against the Scarlets after they were comfortably beaten 45-26 in Parma, where the Cheetahs were based for their ‘home’ game in the competition, in mid-December.
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However, he produced a better performance in this round than he could have played in that game, and the bonus point he got for losing by less than seven points, plus the bonus point for scoring four tries in the previous game, has helped him stay in. conflict.
The Cheetahs started the competition with a 21-16 win against Pau in France which gave them four points, and now have six points after three matches, a win against Pau in Parma next weekend in the final pool match should be more than enough. to secure progression to the knockouts.
Fighting bravely
In Friday night’s game the Cheetahs were unlucky to be pipped by the hosts after a brave fightback early in the second half.
Scarlets scored a converted try and converted a penalty in the first half, countering one penalty from Cheetahs flyhalf Siya Masuku, which put the hosts 10-3 up at half-time.
The Cheetahs then started the second half with a bang as early tries from hooker Louis van der Westhuizen and right wing Daniel Kasende, both converted by Masuku, saw them 17-10 up after 51 minutes.
But the Scarlets hit back with a try to Johnny McNicholl, converted by fullback Leigh Halfpenny to score, making the score 63.rd a penalty minute from the boot of Halfpenny proved the difference in a close match.
The Cheetahs now look to the final pool clash of the competition against Pau next Saturday at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma, knowing a win should be enough to see them progress to the next stage of the competition.