Chiefs storm back to beat Cheetahs

The Chiefs came back from 24-0 down to beat the Cheetahs 41-27 in their Super Rugby game in Bloemfontein.

Tries by winger Raymond Rhule, prop Torsten van Jaarsveld and centre Francois Venter had put the home side in control with a 24-point lead after 22 minutes, but the visitors regained their composure and started to pick holes in the Cheetahs' defence.

Winger Toni Pulu scored a brace of tries as the visitors mounted a fantastic comeback to earn a bonus-point victory and avoid a second successive loss on their tour of South Africa.

Pulu's double had them trailing by 10 points at halftime, and halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow, wingers James Lowe and Shaun Stevenson, and prop Hika Elliot sealed victory in the second period.

What started with a bang ended with a whimper for the Cheetahs who tried - like the Stormers - to go head to head with the Chiefs, but did not have the defence to keep the New Zealanders out when it mattered.

The Chiefs are second in the New Zealand Conference, behind the Crusaders, and head to Perth this week.