View Photos: Super 14 Week threeKEY POINTS:
The Blues are outright Super 14 rugby leaders after out-stripping the dogged Cheetahs 50-26 in Bloemfontein this morning (NZ time).
Not as proficient as in their half-century performance against the Lions last weekend, the Blues were nevertheless ruthless in again scoring seven tries and snaring a bonus point which lifts them ahead of the Crusaders, the only other unbeaten team after three rounds.
Their ability to strike at speed proved the difference in what was an even contest in other facets of the game at Vodacom Park.
The winless Cheetahs refused to buckle, also claiming a bonus point after scoring four tries and trailing by only 12 points with four minutes remaining.
However, late tries to reserve centre Anthony Tuitavake and a third to winger Joe Rokocoko after the final hooter blew the scoreline out.
First five-eighth Nick Evans missed an early penalty but went on to kick seven from nine shots at goal and several times was the instigator of his team's attacking raids.
The battle up front was a stern one, with No 8 Nick Williams and hooker Keven Mealamu prominent among countless heavy collisions.
The interpretations of Australian referee Brett Bowden at the breakdown had the Blues flummoxed at times and their scrum weakened as the match progressed.
Cheetahs captain Juan Smith was forced from the field before halftime but his side could still reflect on an improved display before they depart on their tour to Australasia.
Centre Isaia Toeava made up for an early fumble when the line was open by scoring the first try, scything through after the Cheetahs turned over possession.
The hosts struck back through winger Gavin Passens after some bright interplay but the Blues clamped control with a tryscoring double before the half-hour mark.
Joe Rokocoko was given space and pushed off Jacques-Louis Potgieter like a rag doll to score, before fellow-winger Rudi Wulf capped a super attack from the kickoff, sparked by captain Troy Flavell.
The Cheetahs received a confidence boost before halftime through a neat try to centre JW Jonker.
Toeava grabbed his second try and a bonus point after a clean break by midfield partner Benson Stanley before the feisty Cheetahs responded again, through flanker Heinrich Brussow.
An Evans penalty was followed by Rokocoko's second when the winger cut back on a sublime angle.
However, the Cheetahs again bounced back when reserve flanker Kabamba Floors somehow outpaced speedsters Evans and Wulf to a chipped kick.
The Blues face the toughest test of their South African tour next weekend when they play the Sharks in Cape Town.
- NZPA
