Brumbies prove too strong for Cheetahs in Super Rugby
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 29/03/16 9:33am
The Brumbies got back to winning ways in Super Rugby with a comfortable 25-18 triumph over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
Stephen Larkham's side surged into an early lead through Ita Vaea's try and five points from the boot of skipper Christian Lealiifano, before the hosts hit back via Uzair Cassiem's neat finish and a penalty from Niel Marais.
When the Cheetahs had prop Ox Niche sent to the sin bin the Brumbies reasserted their dominance, with Aidan Toua crashing over in acres of space to make it 15-8 at the interval.
Lealiifano stretched their lead with an early second-half penalty before Ben Alexander scored the decisive try after 57 minutes, with Matt Toomua adding the extras.
A try bonus point looked inevitable for the Brumbies, who lost to the Stormers last time out, but the Cheetahs rallied and instead earned a losing bonus point themselves as Sergeal Petersen crossed over with six minutes left and Marais added the conversion and a last-minute penalty.