30 Aug 2016

Super Rugby log leaders, BDF Cheetahs, have set a date with runners up, UB Rhinos, in an  anticipated high octane final on September 10.

The two teams cruised to the finals after Saturday’s simultaneous fixtures, which pitted the Mogoditshane based Cheetahs against Rhinos at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks Stadium.

Rhinos comfortably won 14 to 11 of the visiting side while on one end Gaborone Hogs narrowly beat LKC Jaguars 20 to 18. 

The weekend’s results left Cheetahs perched at the summit of the log with 23 points followed by Rhinos and Hogs with 15 respectively.

Jaguars close the table with only four points. The bottom two teams will meet for a third place playoff.

In an interview after an entertaining encounter at the SSKB stadium Cheetahs skipper, Eddie Ernest heaped praises on his teammates for holding on from the start of the closely contested league log until the final whistle. 

Ernest explained that it was not an easy task but dedication and team work were the order or the day. 

He said his team was expecting tough opposition from Rhinos as they struggled with their scrums deep into the match. Rhinos captain, Thato Maifala promised a resurgent and completely new team at the finals.

Maifala admitted that they had a tough encounter against the well-built Cheetahs centres but his boys played their hearts out. 

He said the kicking game of their opponents was excellent which resulted in his team committing mistakes and also with a porous defensive line. 

However, Maifala said he hoped that his team did not pick any serious injury as they brace for a mouth-watering final game.

Despite fighting to a bitter end Rhinos, relied on speed and neat tactic to attack a hard to break Cheetahs’ centre. 

The likes of Tshephang Resakaba overpowered their strong defensive line and at the same time denied them a chance to spend time with the ball. 

The youthful Rhinos team was wasteful in attack and could have sealed an emphatic victory in the first half of the encounter but lacked depth and precision. ends