TOM FARRELL was the hero for Connacht as he came off the bench to score two tries and snatch a last-gasp victory.
Connacht were rewarded for their bravery when they opted for a scrum in front of the posts in the final play despite being three points down.
And it paid off as replacement centre Farrell got over for a bonus-point win.
Connacht led 14-5 at the break thanks to tries from Niyi Adeolokun and Kieran Marmion.
But the Cheetahs hit back after the restart and tries from Rhyno Smith and Clayton Blommetjies saw them hit the front.
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The South Africans had Dries Swanepoel sent off in the closing stages and Connacht made them pay, with Farrell getting his first try after they went to the corner with the penalty.
And Farrell was also on hand at the death to snatch victory.
SCORERS – Connacht: N Adeolokun, K Marmion, T Farrell 2 tries; C Fitzgerald 2 cons. Cheetahs: J Dweba, R Smith, C Blommetjies tries; R Pienaar 2 cons, pen.