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An 84th minute penalty goal from Matt Giteau has given the Emirates Western Force a 16-15 victory over a gallant Cheetahs side in Bloemfontein this morning (WA time).
The Cheetahs had a chance to seal the victory in the 80th minute, but Conrad Barnard’s kick for goal missed to the right. The WA side returned the kick from the in-goal and marched 80 metres before an infringement gave Giteau the chance to seal a memorable victory.
The Cheetahs opened the scoring in the sixth minute when fullback Hennie Daniller scored in the corner. His converted try was followed moments later by a Matt Giteau special which levelled the scores at 7-all in the ninth minute.
A penalty goal from Giteau gave his side a 10-7 lead, but a try to Cheetahs flanker Heinrich Brussow ensured the Cheetahs led 12-10 at the break.
The teams traded penalty goals as the Cheetahs continued to defend their line with good effect. The Cheetahs finished the game with 118 tackles made, while the visitors made just 50.
The late drama gave the Emirates Western Force side the perfect ending to a torrid week.
Drew Mitchell was in great form at fullback, while James Stannard was effective in his first start at halfback. Captain Nathan Sharpe and his deputy Giteau were outstanding throughout.
The Emirates Western Force will now play the Lions in Johannesburg next Friday night (South African time).
6th Min: Try to the Cheetahs scored by Hennie Daniller. Jacques-Louis Potgeiter converts. Cheetahs lead 7-0.
9th Min: Try to the Emirates Western Force scored by Matt Giteau. Giteau converts. 7-all.
18th Min: Penalty goal to the Emirates Western Force kicked by Giteau. Emirates Western Force lead 10-7.
29th Min: Try to the Cheetahs scored by Heinrich Brussow. Not converted. Cheetahs lead 12-10.
HALF TIME: Emirates Western Force 10 Cheetahs 12
55th Min: Penalty goal to the Emirates Western Force kicked by Giteau. Emirates Western Force lead 13-12.
63rd Min: Penalty to the Cheetahs kicked by Conrad Barnard. Cheetahs lead 15-13.
84th Min: Penalty goal to the Emirates Western Force kicked by Giteau. Emirates Western Force lead 16-15.
FULL TIME: Emirates Western Force 16 Cheetahs 15
Emirates Western Force 16 (Giteau try, con, 3 pens)
Cheetahs 15 (Daniller, brussow tries; Potgeiter con, Barnard pen)