The Cheetahs may just have discovered a new darling (and valuable Johan Goosen understudy) in flyhalf Hansie Graaff, with the 23-year-old Griffons pivot stepping up late during Saturday’s pre-season clash against the Stormers to win the game with a huge penalty.
The visitors enjoyed the better of the play in the first half, although will have gained few new fans in grinding their way to an 11-0 half-time lead, courtesy of a try to flank Nizaam Carr, and two Kurt Coleman penalties.
The Cheetahs’ first points in the game, via a penalty to Riaan Smit, were shortly reversed as Carr crashed over again, but staring down the barrel of a big defeat (3-16) it was the home side who then struck back. Tries to scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius and flank Frans Viljoen saw them go ahead 17-16, before Coleman edged his side in front again. Centre Damian de Allende then rounded off a thrilling move to see the Stormers comfortably ahead, 26-17 as the game neared its climax.
A late try by Rocco Jansen saw the Cheetahs back within two, before Graaff’s last-minute heroic conversion of a 55 metre penalty attempt saw the hosts prevail, 27-26.
Cheetahs:
Tries: Sarel Pretorius, Frans Viljoen, Rocco Jansen
Cons: Elgar Watts 3
Pens: Riaan Smit, Hansie Graaff
Stormers:
Tries: Nizaam Carr 2, Damian de Allende
Con: Kurt Coleman
Pens: Coleman 3
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Could have a field day with his surname . . .
Graaff Buries Stormers at the Death ?
Well done to the Cheetahs, and Bulls,
And it seems Hoffman is leaving the Sharks?
Good game?
@VinChainSaw (Comment 4) : howzit tjomma. When are we going to have a drink?
@robdylan (Comment 5) :
Good thanks champ. Just let me know. I’m back living not that far from you again.
No news on whether or not Habana is being cited for the knee to the face?
@VinChainSaw (Comment 6) : whereabouts?
@robdylan (Comment 8) :
East Dulwich bud. Made the move down late last year after five years in the countryside. Enjoying it thusfar!
@VinChainSaw (Comment 9) : that’s not far at all
@KSA Shark © (Comment 7) : Not that Ive heard or read. He is SA’s poster boy so dont hold your breath. I think he got away with kicking a Frenchman in the head a few years ago as well. 🙁