A 78th-minute try by centre Gael Fickou snatched victory for Racing 92 against the Cheetahs in a thrilling EPCR Challenge Cup clash on Sunday.
The Cheetahs looked to have done enough when centre Zander du Plessis’ try gave them a 28-24 lead with 10 minutes remaining at the Paris La Défense Arena. But it was not to be for the team coached by Frans Steyn, who spent three seasons at Racing as a player.
Both sides were winless from their opening three pool matches coming into this encounter.
The Cheetahs made the perfect start when flank Daniel Maartens intercepted a pass on the Racing 10m line and scampered away. Flyhalf Jaco van der Walt converted.
Sustained pressure from the home side saw flank Auguste Albuisson crash over under the posts, with flyhalf Antoine Gibert converting.
On the quarter-hour mark the Cheetahs were reduced to 14 men when prop Aranos Coetzee was yellow-carded for a reckless high tackle. The home side made the Cheetahs pay as Racing’s South African No 8 Hacjivah Dayimani finished off an attack.
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The Cheetahs were given a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty try after Romain Taofifenua prevented a score. The Racing lock and captain was also given his marching orders and the game was all square.
The Cheetahs’ forwards applied the pressure and repeated infringements saw lock Thomas Lainault follow his captain to the sin bin. The Free Staters made it count as winger Prince Nkabinde rounded off a move against the 13-man hosts. Van der Walt’s touchline conversion made it 21-14.
However, straight after half-time, Racing winger Nolann Donguy crashed over in the corner. Another score, this time by replacement Jonny Hill, took the home side into a 24-21 lead.
Du Plessis crashed over for a converted try to push the Cheetahs into a four-point lead. But with a minute left, Fickou scored after sustained pressure to snatch victory for the hosts.
RACING 92 – Tries: Auguste Albuisson, Hacjivah Dayimani, Nolann Donguy, Jonny Hill, Gael Fickou. Conversions: Antoine Gibert (3).
CHEETAHS – Tries: Daniel Maartens, Prince Nkabinde, Zander du Plessis, penalty try. Conversions: Jaco van der Walt (3).
Photo: Danie van der Lith/Gallo Images
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