Playmaker Sanele Nohamba kicked 18 points as the Lions downed the table-topping Cheetahs in the Currie Cup match in Bloemfontein on today.

Making his first Currie Cup appearance at flyhalf for the Lions, Nohamba was flawless off the tee as the visitors mixed valiant defence with accuracy on attack to secure a 33-26 victory.

The Lions streaked to an early 20-0 lead courtesy of Nohamba’s boot and tries from centre Rynhardt Jonker and winger Edwill van der Merwe.

Rewarded for their persistence on attack, the Cheetahs scratched the scoreboard in the final minute of the first half when No. 8 George Cronje dotted down to reduce the hosts’ deficit to 13 points at the break.

39'| TRY TIME! 🏉

George Cronje bags a try for the Cheetahs!

Toyota Cheetahs 7-20 Fidelity ADT Lions#CurrieCup#CHEvLIO@ToyotaSA pic.twitter.com/SbGApdbGyx

— Toyota Cheetahs (@CheetahsRugby) May 13, 2023

Cronje struck again two minutes after the restart, spiking the Cheetahs’ energy levels as the two sides locked into a gritty arm-wrestle in the third quarter that was punctuated by a Nohamba that made it 23-14 with 30 minutes to go.

But at the start of the fourth quarter, Lions flanker JC Pretorius showcased a slick dummy and a clean pair of heels to cross for a try that Nohamba converted before adding another penalty minutes later.

60'| JC Pretorius shows ⛽️ in the final quarter of the field for the Fidelity ADT Lions. The conversion is successful by Nohamba.
🐆14 – 30 🦁#CHEvLIO #CurrieCup | #WhereLegendsRise#LionsPride🦁

— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) May 13, 2023

The Cheetahs finished the match on a high note, tries from flanker Sibabalo Qoma and replacement hooker Marnus van der Merwe rescuing a losing bonus point for the hosts.

ROARING🦁@LionsRugbyCo topple the log leaders in Bloemfontein 👏#CurrieCup #WhereLegendsRise pic.twitter.com/ilzvPldkOc

— The Currie Cup (@TheCurrieCup) May 13, 2023