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Bayonne vs Cheetahs: Herschel Jantjies' late try seals 29-27 Challenge Cup win

Rob du Preez converted the Springbok scrumhalf's run of more than 50m to put the hosts two points clear after the Cheetahs had fought back to lead 27-22.

By RuckBee Newsroom1 min read
A player in sky blue and white kneels celebrating on grass as teammates run in, with a river and bridge of Bayonne behind.
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A sprint of more than 50 metres by Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies won the game for Bayonne on Sunday 18 October. His late try came after the Cheetahs had come back from nine points down at half-time to lead in their opening Challenge Cup match.

Rob du Preez converted the try to put Bayonne two points ahead, and the home side held on for a 29-27 result at the Stade Jean-Dauger in the first round of the EPCR Challenge Cup. Jantjies had come on for Baptiste Tilloles in the third quarter.

The Cheetahs made the stronger start. Tiaan Swanepoel kicked a penalty, and wing Michael Annies then scored in the corner. Swanepoel converted to put the visitors 10-0 up.

Hooker Facundo Bosch scored twice from mauls, and Federico Mori and Yohan Orabe also scored first-half tries. That gave the hosts a 22-13 lead at the break.

The second half belonged to the Cheetahs until the closing minutes. Centre Carel-Jan Coetzee and hooker Louis van der Westhuizen both scored tries, and Swanepoel converted each one to put the visitors 27-22 in front.

The South African reported that late in the game the Cheetahs turned down a kick at goal to go for a try, but they lost the ball. In the end, Jantjies' long run decided the match by two points.

Sources

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