Unlike the Golden Lions in Johannesburg three days earlier, the Cheetahs refused to take a mauling.

The Lions eased into cruise control during a one-sided opening quarter after tries by flanker Stephen Ferris and centre Keith Earls helped open up a 17-0 lead.

The Cheetahs, though, struck twice in seven first-half minutes after Ferris was sin-binned by English referee Wayne Barnes, with wing Danwel Demas and prop Wian du Preez claiming touchdowns that Jacque Potgieter converted.

Centre Corne Uys then struck with an 80-metre interception try eight minutes from time that substitute Louis Strydom converted, setting up the prospect of a famous home win.

Lions wing Shane Williams could only look on after Uys collected his intended pass to fly-half James Hook - but there were more scares for the Lions to survive before full-time.

Strydom was agonisingly wide with a drop-goal attempt which would have sealed the deal, then the Cheetahs were unable to prosper from an attacking scrum after Lions full-back Lee Byrne uncharacteristically spilled a high ball.

Ultimately, the Lions were indebted to Wales star Hook's precision goal-kicking to maintain their unbeaten record.

Hook, who looks set to mount a serious challenge for the Test team number 10 shirt, booted four penalties and two conversions - an immaculate return which kept the Cheetahs at bay.