The Cheetahs cruised past the Southern Kings 34-22 in the Super Rugby game in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Three tries in the second half ensured a bonus-point win for South Africa’s surprise package over the tournament newcomers.

Centre Johann Sadie scored twice and scrumhalf Piet van Zyl and winger Willie le Roux also touched down as the Cheetahs took the lead on the brink of halftime and never looked back.

Sadie broke stubborn Kings’ resistance in the 39th minute to overturn a 12-6 deficit.

Van Zyl slipped through for his third try in two games in the 51st and Sadie crossed again in the 56th.

Le Roux’s try, created by Sadie, claimed five points for the Cheetahs and bolstered their playoff hopes.

Argentina’s Nicolas Vergallo scored a late consolation for the Kings.