The Lions spoiled the final Super Rugby home match of the Cheetahs under coach Naka Drotske with a bonus-point 40-17 South African derby triumph on Sunday morning in Bloemfontein.
A four-try victory at Free State Stadium kept alive the play-off hopes of a Johannesburg outfit who have exceeded expectations this season in the southern hemisphere championship.
Flawless goal-kicking by fly-half Elton Jantjies, good handling by backs and forwards, and powerful scrummaging were key factors in the comfortable success.
The Lions host Australia's defending champion NSW Waratahs next weekend before visiting compatriots Western Stormers in their final game and two victories could see them through to the knockout stages.
But there was no fairy-tale home ground finale for former Springbok hooker Drotske, who is stepping down this month after nine years guiding the Bloemfontein outfit.
