Cheetahs, Hogs In Super Rugby Final
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday September 11, 2017 15:23
Cheetahs proved too powerful for University of Botswana (UB) Rhinos in the semi-final played at SSKB on Saturday. The Cheetahs powered to a 29-15 victory to progress to the final. Rhinos came into the match as the lowly placed team on the Super Rugby log. Cheetahs did not take long to punish their opponents as Oneil Tumelo scored the first try of the match after a defensive error. Edward Oosthuizen easily scored the conversion. The lead was a motivation that the hosts needed. Their eyes were now beyond Rhinos, who were guilty of many handling mistakes, with the result not in doubt. Cheetahs were aware that Hogs had already reached the final after beating Canon Jaguars in the earlier semi-final at the same venue.
Ketshedile Matenanga scored the second try in the 14th minute for Cheetahs with Oosthuizen extending the lead with a brilliant kick. A few minutes later, Matenanga was on the scorecard again after receiving a good pass from Tumelo. Oosthuizen was unstoppable sending another point home. It was easy for Prince Chingo to score the first try for Rhinos in the 37th minute, but Cheetahs back line was able to recover and clear the threat. Cheetahs won a scrum inside the rucks, with Matenanga attempting to make a run for a try, only to be tackled by the Rhinos defence.
The second half started with Cheetahs continuing where they left off in the first stanza. The team’s captain, Eddie Ernest scored a try and it was clear where the tie was headed.
Cheetahs right wing player, Shamwaka James made a briliant run in attack only to be let down by scrum half, Kagiso Molefhi who failed to make a catch. The move forced Rhinos’ coach, Tiger Masinki to make three changes at once in a bid to try and contain Cheetahs who were firing from all cylinders. The plan for Rhinos worked as Oaitse Daniel scored their first try in the dying minutes of the game. Unfortunately, the conversation did not connect. Rhinos were now piling pressure on Cheetahs, but time was not on their side. Cheetahs had no mercy for their opponents as another try was scored by Omphile Kebobate during the referee’s time. Despite back paddling, Rhinos did not give up as they got a try through Thato Maifala and the conversion was on target.
Rhinos coach, Masinki said they had a plan that they thought was going to work.
“We thought the plan was going to be effective, which was to go direct. Our main challenge was injuries. The game was going to be difficult no matter the plan we came up with. Cheetahs was better than us in all departments. We now have to go and recover for next weekend,” he told Monitor Sport.
Cheetahs assistant coach, Gilbert Machobane said they stuck to their plan, making sure they avoid contact with Rhinos’ big fowards. He said they played a fast game as a way of making sure that they do not make their opponents comfortable.
Hogs coach, Lourie Fourie could not hide his excitement after his side qualified for the final.
“I do not know man, I feel 50 years old now, I am excited. It was a tough game, Jaguars gave us a tough game up until the last second. We now have to prepare for the final,” he said with a chuckle. Fourie despite the injuries they picked, has enough depth to replace the injured players.
Jaguars coach, Taku Mhonda said they wanted to play a tactical game, slow the game down and play more territorial than their usual running game. He said it was unfortunate that there was miscommunication at the end of the game and they got punished.
Teams
Cheetahs: Mogatle Gaboratanelwe, Mogotsi Noah, Oarabile Chiche, Ernest, Lempaletse Ngaka, Thabang Diphera, Omphile Debula, Vevangaige Kaura, Molefhi, Kebobate, Kabelo Sebabi, Oosthuizen, Elijah Radihephi, James and Matenanga.
Coach: Shine Gabatladiwe.
Rhinos: Tapiwa Ndoro, Katlego Mohutsiwa, Kabo Morobane, Ronald Modise, Karabo Momphane, Segopotso Dintwe, Tshephang Rasekaba, Kitso Maduo, Tsoso Ngwako, Mani Mani, Daniel, Maifala, Tshoganetso Katse, Chingo and Mosweu.
Coach: Masinki.