The addition of two South African sides to what has now become rugby's Pro 14 has had mixed results.
For the Southern Kings, it has been a rocky introduction to northern hemisphere rugby; they picked up their first win of the tournament against the Dragons after going 16 games deep on a win-less run.
South Africa's Cheetahs have had a more positive experience however. Sitting 3rd in a group featuring Munster and Connacht, eight wins and eight defeats signals a relatively positive start.
Welcoming fifth-placed Connacht to South Africa this evening, the two threw up a game that really got people talking.
Really enjoying Cheetahs v Connacht.
Offloads everywhere.— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) March 3, 2018
In what was a very open, quick game of rugby in a fairly desolate looking Toyota stadium in Bloemfontein, it was the Cheetahs that got off to a quick start.
This finish from Uzair Cassiem putting a gloss on some frantic build-up play.
Fast
AggressiveUzair Cassiem capitalises on an exhilarating start by @CheetahsRugby to take the lead vs @connachtrugby
Watch it live on @SkySportsRugby or @SuperSportTV.#CHEvCON #GUINNESSPRO14 pic.twitter.com/JzOf5zK8Jr
— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) March 3, 2018
10-0 behind in no time, some reckoned that the difficult conditions and quick play were about to lead Connacht into a fairly heavy beating.
Connacht are in for a pasting here.
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) March 3, 2018
Yet, Kieran Keane's side were not long putting such thoughts to rest; Matt Healy finishing off a move that demonstrated the quick hands of the visitors (and changing some opinions in the process).
.@connachtrugby move it fast from the scrum and Matt Healy flies in to get the visitors up and running in Bloemfontein.
Watch live on @SkySportsRugby or @SuperSportTV.#CHEvCON #GUINNESSPRO14 pic.twitter.com/L9uWS3ypPl
— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) March 3, 2018
Remember what I said about Connacht around 7 minutes ago
Well, try not to.
Cheers, Paul.— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) March 3, 2018
Trailing 16-15 at the break, it would be Connacht who started the stronger despite the high-altitude and draining temperature. Once again, Healy's running with the ball causing havoc for the Cheetahs.
A broken up game so far in the second half with @JackCarty10's penalty the only addition to the scoreline.@connachtrugby lead by two points over @CheetahsRugby. Which way will this go?
? Watch live on @SkySportsRugby or @SuperSportTV.#CHEvCON #GUINNESSPRO14 pic.twitter.com/tDVXAnuZkW
— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) March 3, 2018
Increasing their lead to 25-16 as they approached the 60 minute mark, it would be the Cheetahs who scored the try of the match; Sibahle Maxwane breaking through to finish off a great cross-field move.
? @CheetahsRugby won't go down without a fight ?@Sibahle_maxwane springs through after a turnover and brings the home side back within one score of @connachtrugby.
? Watch live on @SkySportsRugby or @SuperSportTV.#CHEvCON #GUINNESSPRO14 pic.twitter.com/plgy3O19Bt
— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) March 3, 2018
Bringing the South African's within a score of Connacht, the Irish province's good start to the second-half wouldn't be enough. A last-minute penalty from Niel Marais giving the Cheetahs a victory in this Pro 14 classic.
🏉#CHEvCON
A dramatic game at the Toyota Stadium as Niel Marais slots a last minute penalty for @CheetahsRugby to snatch a one point victory over @connachtrugby 😳👏#GUINNESSPRO14 pic.twitter.com/aDvt5sChv0— United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) March 3, 2018
