The Cheetahs, a South African rugby team, has won the Currie Cup championship with a score of 25-17 against the Pumas. The championship match took place in Bloemfontein, where the Cheetahs demonstrated their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Key Players and Scores
Reinhardt Fortuin, Cohen Jasper, and Rewan Kruger scored a try each for the Cheetahs, while Ruan Pienaar contributed with two conversions and two penalties. Fly-half Ruan Pienaar played a crucial role in securing the win and earned praise for his performance. Pumas’ Ali Mgijima scored a try, and Tinus de Beer scored four penalties.
Cheetahs’ Journey to the Championship
The Cheetahs’ journey to the Currie Cup championship was riddled with financial challenges, particularly during their European Challenge Cup campaign. Chief executive Ross van Reenen revealed in the Rapport newspaper the severe constraints faced by the team during their time in Europe.
Financial Struggles During European Challenge Cup Campaign
Participating in the European Challenge Cup required the South African team to play their home matches on European soil. They selected Parma, an Italian city, as their base, leading to exorbitant costs. The team spent millions of rand on facilities, accommodation, meals, and laundry services. Furthermore, the freezing and wet weather conditions in Italy posed a significant challenge for the players. The language barrier was another obstacle faced by the Cheetahs, as none of the team members were fluent in Italian.
Concluding Remarks
Despite all the setbacks, the Cheetahs won the Currie Cup championship, solidifying their status in South African rugby history by clinching the prestigious title for the eighth time. The remarkable triumph is a testament to the team’s indomitable spirit, commitment, and drive.
