The Cheetahs profited from a last-gasp try by left-wing Cohen Jasper to claim a 32-29 victory over compatriots the Sharks in their European Rugby Challenge Cup clash in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

The home side led 15-7 at halftime but then had to quell a resurgence from the Durban-based Sharks before claiming victory as the visitors’ poor discipline cost them in the closing minutes.

The Sharks, with several of their World Cup winning Springboks in the team, were heavy favourites before kick-off, but too many error and a lack of game-management cost them in the end.

It is a continuation of their poor start to the season, while they will have the chance to make amends in the United Rugby Championship (URC), the Cheetahs sit idle until their next Challenge Cup game against Pau a month from now.

“Since last season we’ve always known our capabilities and which teams we can play against,” Cheetahs captain Victor Sekekete said. “This is the ultimate cherry on top to prove that we can definitely play. This is the result that we wanted, we showcased what we can do.

“There’s a lot they (the Sharks) can do, especially when they take the ball outside with their backs, but we let our defence do the work and stuck to our system.”

Man of the Match Friedel Olivier says this win is proof the Cheetahs can take on anyone, despite being excluded from the URC.

“We work hard here on this field every day in the sun, we give our best every single day to achieve our best ability,” he said.

“We have a quality side to take on any side in the world. We deserve it, so they must give us our opportunity.”