Nel's clinical performance was supported by further tries from Neels Volschenk and CJ Coetzee, as the Cheetahs secured a comfortable bonus-point win. Flyhalf Tiaan Swanepoel converted five of their six tries, with Cohen Jasper adding the final conversion after Swanepoel left the field.
The Pumas, who had been unbeaten in all competitions this year until now, crossed for four tries through Ross Braude (2), Sango Zamlashe, and Wian van Niekerk. However, poor goal-kicking cost them, with flyhalf Danrich Visagie missing three conversions and slotting only a single penalty and one conversion.
The visitors struck first when Braude dotted down from a maul break, but the Cheetahs responded immediately as Nel stepped through to score under the posts. Nel then intercepted a loose pass to race 70m for his second try.
The Cheetahs stretched their lead before halftime, with Nel completing his hat-trick from close range and Volschenk powering over after a dominant scrum. The hosts led 28-13 at the break.
CJ Coetzee added a spectacular solo try early in the second half, evading four defenders to score. Despite Braude and Zamlashe crossing for the Pumas, their missed conversions left them chasing the game.
Nel sealed the win with his fourth try in the dying moments after the Cheetahs won a turnover from the restart, capping a dominant display.
The Sharks are bringing Currie Cup rugby directly to their supporters this season, with two of their pool matches set to be hosted in KwaZulu-Natal communities outside their traditional home base.
Junior Springbok superstar Batho Hlekani looks set to be at the centre of contract negotiations between the Sharks and the Lions.
A dramatic 88th-minute try by wing Donavan Don handed the Boland Cavaliers a thrilling 37–35 victory over the Cheetahs in a pulsating Currie Cup Round One clash on Sunday.
The Lions thrashed the Sharks at Ellis Park while the Bulls were impressive in beating Western Province at DHL Stadium in Currie Cup action played on Saturday.
