The Toyota Cheetahs climbed to third on the SA Cup log after a stirring second-half comeback in George, overturning a half-time deficit to beat the SWD Eagles 26-17 and secure a valuable bonus point.

The visitors from the Free State found themselves on the back foot early on, trailing 17-5 at the break as the Eagles, coached by Heyneke Meyer, went in search of a fifth straight win. But the Cheetahs’ bench made a decisive impact after the interval, shifting the momentum and ultimately the result.

Captain Volschenk admitted his side made life difficult for themselves but praised their resilience.