The Cheetahs must now surely be considered favourites for this year's Currie Cup title after they delivered a quintessential statement victory by defeating the Sharks 29-15 at King's Park.
Bulls Currie Cup mentor Gert Smal didn't want to discuss the merits of Bismarck du Plessis' red card at the weekend but is nonetheless disappointed that he can't select the veteran hooker.
Aphelele Fassi, Curwin Bosch and Marius Louw each scored as the Sharks got a hard-fought bonus point win over the Scarlets in the United Rugby Championship clash.