Cheetahs down Zebre in Italy

Cheetahs cruised to a 27-12 bonus-point victory away at fellow Conference A strugglers Zebre in the Pro14 on Sunday.

The two sides are adrift at the bottom of the standings, but Cheetahs proved too strong for their hosts and, after Benhard Janse van Rensburg’s brace, they pulled clear late on.

Cheetahs had threatened to move out of sight midway through the first half when Janse van Rensburg and Tian Schoeman crossed in quick succession, but Zebre’s response was similarly devastating.

Edoardo Padovani and Giulio Bisegni likewise went over one after the other around 10 minutes later and the sides were all square heading into the break.

Yet the visitors again started the brighter in the second half and Janse van Rensburg forced the ball over once more in the corner after 42 minutes.

A dominant second-half display ensures @CheetahsRugby claim a bonus point victory over @ZebreRugby ?

A brace from Benhard Janse van Rensburg saw his side claim a third #GUINNESSPRO14 win of the season ?#ZEBvCHE pic.twitter.com/wVEKAQlRo9

— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) January 6, 2019

Schoeman knocked the ball on in front of the line as he looked destined to add to Cheetahs’ lead and secure the bonus point, but the result never truly looked in doubt.

And when Zebre’s George Biagi collapsed in a challenge and was shown a yellow card, Cheetahs quickly took advantage to score the precious fourth try through Reinach Venter.

There was still time for a fifth, too, as Daniel Maartens forced the ball over on a fine day for the travelling outfit.