Front-runners Coastal Sharks were given a sharp reality check when they slumped to a shock loss to bottom team Central Cheetahs, but they still lead rugby's Super 14 competition.
The Bloemfontein Cheetahs bounced back from seven consecutive defeats to outclass the Natal Sharks 31-6 in the upset result of this weekend's ninth round of the southern hemisphere provincial championship.
Despite their second defeat of the season, the Sharks, who have 30 points, lead New Zealand's Waikato Chiefs and South Africa's Northern Bulls by three with five rounds left to next month's top-four playoffs.
The Chiefs, along with defending champions Canterbury Crusaders, had Easter weekend off, but the Pretoria Bulls were the biggest movers among the top four after a comprehensive 20-6 win over the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.
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Sharks hold Super 14 lead after Cheetah ambush
Sharks hold Super 14 lead after Cheetah ambush
