The Brumbies got their man off the field, but their on-field performances remain a major concern following a 47-36 Super Rugby loss to the lowly Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Any optimism generated by the midweek signing of South Africa's 2007 World Cup-winning coach Jake White for the next four seasons was quickly dissipated by the latest in a series of shoddy performances.

They scored five tries to four but couldn't overcome a shocking start and plunged to a seventh defeat in nine games early Saturday, Australian time.

The Brumbies trailed 25-0 by the time a quarter of the game had elapsed.

The Canberra-based side showed some pluck in getting to within six points at halftime and cutting the deficit to five with just over ten minutes to go.

Two late penalties to Cheetahs five-eighth Sias Ebersohn, who finished with 21 points, gave the home team just their second win in ten games.

The Brumbies picked up a bonus point but remained well over ten points behind sixth spot.

They played part of the second half with 14 men after inside back Christian Lealiifano was sin binned for a lifting tackle.

The visitors were caught cold at the start as props Coenie Oosthuizen and WP Nel and halfback Sarel Pretorius scored tries inside the first 12 minutes.

"We were shellshocked a little bit there, but we got ourselves back into the game and then discipline killed us," Brumbies captain Matt Giteau said.

"We get close into a game, get back into it and then we give away silly penalties and then the game gets out of reach.

"I don't know what you put it down to, inexperience, ill discipline, there's a number of things, but it's cost us throughout the season."

Tries to wingers Francis Fainifo and Adam Ashley-Cooper, prop Ben Alexander and flanker Michael Hooper helped the Brumbies get to 26-32 at the end of a frantic first half.

The Cheetahs kicked then three penalties to lead by 12 but a converted try to replacement back Robbie Coleman got the Brumbies back to 36-41.

Giteau, who is leaving after this season to play for French club Toulon, was supportive of incumbent coach Tony Rea, but also praised White's appointment.

"It's great for the Brumbies they are heading in a new direction and I'm sure they are really happy with their appointment," Giteau said.

"It's been great working with Tony and the coaching staff as well, but we're not looking any further past what we've got at the moment.

"I think the biggest challenge is for us to get up next week.

Locks Peter Kimlin and Mitchell Chapman were cleared of arm breaks but will undergo further tests in the leadup to next weekend's clash with the Sharks in Durban.

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