Cheetahs whipped 43-8 by Scarlets in Pro14 qualifier
Despite the disappointing result, many have applauded the men from Bloemfontein for a hard-fought first season.
Zee Mkhabela of Cheetahs takes on Werner Kruger of Scarlets during the Guinness Pro14 match between Scarlets and Toyota Cheetahs at Parc y Scarlets Stadium on April 07, 2018 in Llanelli, United Kingdom. (Photo by Huw Evans Agency/Gallo Images)
The Cheetahs lost 43-8 to Scarlets in their Pro14 qualifier match in Llanelli, Wales, on Saturday.
With a place in the semi-final on the line, the hosts outscored the men from Bloemfontein six tries to one in a dominant display.
The result ended the Cheetahs’ participation in their first Pro14 campaign, as coach Rory Duncan also leaves his post.
For the champions Scarletts, in contrast, they remain on track to become the first-ever Welsh side to defend their title.
Steff Evans scored two tries for Scarletts with Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Prydie, James Davies, Jonathan Evans all scoring a try each.
With Scarletts 43-3 ahead with moments left in the encounter, Clayton Blommetjies scored a try for the Cheetahs which was cause for little celebration.
Scorers:
Scarlets: Tries: Steff Evans (2), Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Prydie, James Davies, Jonathan Evans. Conversions: Halfpenny (2), Rhys Patchell (3). Penalty: Halfpenny
Cheetahs: Try: Clayton Blommetjies. Penalty: Johan Goosen – African News Agency (ANA)
Just to reflect.
Congrats on Scarlets with an great game. Totally outplayed my Cheetahs. They show how great team they bare and did shoe there quality they are and show why they are the defending Champs. Cheetahs did pitch up. Better team won Strongs for the semi finals
— DJ Rossouw (@DjRossouw87) May 5, 2018
A corker of a try from @steffevans this evening in a convincing win by the @scarlets_rugby Cheetahs the fastest animals on four legs. Steff Evans the fastest on two whilst ball carrying. #YnYPac pic.twitter.com/sMKIPjMzXX
— Mugbys (@mugbysgifts) May 5, 2018
Ballhandling errors by far the most I have seen by the Cheetahs in years!Still well done for getting this far in the Pro 14 @CheetahsRugby
— Renier (@Renwaa777) May 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/SilvermanSkylar/status/992852740203302912
Cheetahs have had a very decent first season in Pro14 considering how they were thrown into the comp with no rest in the middle of the @CURRIECUP
However they have been very fallible away away from home and they were duly put to the sword today by a class @scarlets_rugby outfit. pic.twitter.com/8eA8OQkVAc— George Wood (@GeorgeWood9187) May 5, 2018
