The Toyota Cheetahs were given a harsh introduction to the EPCR Challenge Cup in their first game in three months as they were smashed 42-12 by Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on Sunday night.
Exeter, who are one of the form teams in this year’s English Premiership, and are currently second on the log after Bath, started their European campaign on a high and even though they had a second half slump, were still too good for the Bloemfontein side.
The mismatch didn’t stop the Cheetahs from playing with a lot of pride and they will take a lot of heart out of the fact they drew the second half 7-all, but it was clear they were hopelessly outclassed by a side that is in superb form at the moment.
But by that time the damage was done and the Chiefs were cruising to the victory, and finished with a scoreline that reflected the strength of both sides.
It was the Chiefs who looked dangerous from the start and hit first as they stretched the Cheetahs left and right before Wallaby midfielder Len Ikitau went over in the corner with ease for the opening try.
Greg Fisilau followed in the 19th minute, taking his side further ahead before the Cheetahs produced a scintillating attack that passed through several hands before fullback Michael Aries was put into space to score their first try.
The 10 minutes before halftime were a killer for the visitors, as the Chiefs ran in three tries before the break, getting themselves the bonus point and a healthy lead by halftime.
Harvey Skinner, Scott Sio and Henry Slade - the latter the recipient of an excellent kick pass across the field - all troubled the scorers for the Chiefs to lead 35-7 at halftime.
The second half was a much more spirited affair for the Cheetahs as they upped the tempo and showed a lot of fight, but didn’t always have the firepower to be clinical enough to haul in the Chiefs in any significant manner.
A few clever grubber kicks and some top attacking work saw Munier Hartzenberg on the end of a team try, taking them into double figures.
But that was erased by England international Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s late try that sealed the game and gave a full house of points to coach Rob Baxter to march on.
SCORERS
Exeter Chiefs: Len Ikitau, Greg Fisilau, Harvey Skinner, Scott Sio, Henry Slade, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. Conversions: Slade (6)
Toyota Cheetahs - tries: Michael Arries, Munier Hartzenberg. Conversion: Jaco van der Walt.