Sharks tamed by Cheetahs

The Cheetahs pulled off a surprise 25-20 victory over the Sharks in Durban with full-back Riaan Viljoen bagging 11 points including a try and Naas Olivier adding the other 14.

Ryan Kankowski crossed for the host team but the usually reliable Rory Kockott missed five of his 10 kicks at goal to effectively hand the visitors the win.

However, he did convert a last minute penalty to give the Sharks a losing bonus point.

It was unbelievably the Cheetahs' first away win since 2007 and they were fully deserving of the success as the Sharks showed little for their possession and territorial dominance.

Olivier was the first to err with the boot when he pulled a six-minute chance to put his side in the lead after Alistair Hargreaves played the ball illegally on the ground.

Amends

Kockott scored with a 55-metre effort but then missed his second shot at goal before Olivier made amends for his earlier miss by levelling the scores after 20 minutes.

A moment of inspiration from Viljoen gave his side the lead in the 24th minute, fielding an up-and-under in his own 22 before ghosting through the centre of the field and running in under the post, Olivier adding the inevitable extras.

Kockott then missed another straightforward kick to narrow the deficit, although with the Sharks dominating play he was successful twice before the break as Cheetahs went in 10-9 in front.

Sharks lead

And it was the Sharks who finally capitalised on their territorial advantage three minutes into the second period, working the ball through the phases before Kankowski picked it up out wide, where he out-ran Danwel Demas for the score.

Kockott predictably missed the conversion attempt and the Cheetahs hit back with Olivier's second penalty to move back within one of the lead.

Two more penalties from Viljoen then helped his side to a five point lead with 20 minutes to play.

John Plumtree's men tried desperately to claw their way back, but did not help themselves with several handling errors.

Kockott gave them some hope with another penalty, but Olivier's late 30-metre drop-goal followed by a penalty ensured victory for Naka Drotske's team.