McAlister gives Cheetahs the Blues

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa - Blues first five-eighths Luke McAlister steered the New Zealanders to a 34-33 win over the Cheetahs in a Super 14 match early this morning.

The All Black scored 17 points from a try, three conversions and two penalties to ensure the Blues still have a microscopic chance of reaching the semi-finals.

In a thrilling match in Bloemfontein, the Cheetahs scored their fifth try after the final hooter had sounded when hooker Tiaan Liebenberg charged over the line with his arm aloft.

But Springbok first five-eighths Meyer Bosman was unable to convert to give the Cheetahs victory and it condemned them to their second defeat by one point in a week.

Kicking let the home side down after first five-eighths Willem de Waal missed four attempts at goal in the first half. McAlister, by contrast, was successful with five out of five.

A see-sawing opening half set the tone for an exciting match as the lead changed hands five times.

Cheetahs fullback Bevan Fortuin scored two tries and wing Gaffie du Toit one try and a 55-metre drop goal before a 10-minute period of Blues dominance in which tries by fullback Brent Ward and McAlister allowed their team to edge ahead.

The Cheetahs secured their bonus point on the stroke of halftime when wing Giscard Pieters crashed over from close range after a strong lineout drive by the forwards.

That propelled the home team into a slender, but deserved 25-20 lead at the break after an entertaining half, which saw six tries in all.

The Blues had the better of the second half and scored further tries through centre Isa Nacewa and wing Joe Rokocoko to secure a bonus point.

- REUTERS