Ruan Pienaar’s 18 factors helped Cheetahs to victory of their opening match within the Champions Cup.
Ruan Pienaar kicked 18 factors to assist the Cheetahs open the 2023-24 European Problem Cup with a complete victory over Zebre in Parma on Saturday.
The 39-year-old veteran scrumhalf was named Man of the Match for a scientific kicking efficiency that included 4 penalties and three conversions in boosting the Free Staters to a 33-15 victory.
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Scores remained locked at a penalty apiece on the 30-minute mark, earlier than Pienaar added one other penalty and only one minute later put up a well-placed field kick that led to a Zebre error and Cheetahs winger Cohen Jasper pouncing on the try-scoring alternative. Pienaar added the conversion after which couldn’t stifle a smile after slotting a wide-angle penalty on the stroke of half time to provide the vacationers a 16-3 lead.
It didn’t take the Cheetahs lengthy so as to add to their benefit after the break, with centre Reinhardt Fortuin crossing for a strive simply three minutes into the second half, transformed by Pienaar.
Two tries from the house aspect within the ultimate three minutes of play did little to detract from a snug victory for the Cheetahs, guided by Pienaar’s tactical nous and pinpoint boot.
This text first appeared on sarugbymag.co.za. It’s republished right here with permission.