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The Cheetahs had a chance to seal the victory in the 80th minute, but Conrad Barnard’s kick for goal missed to the right.
The WA side returned the kick from the in-goal and marched 80 metres before an infringement gave Giteau the chance to seal a memorable victory.
The Cheetahs opened the scoring in the sixth minute when fullback Hennie Daniller scored in the corner. His converted try was followed moments later by a Matt Giteau special which levelled the scores at 7-all in the ninth minute.
A penalty goal from Giteau gave his side a 10-7 lead, but a try to Cheetahs flanker Heinrich Brussow ensured the Cheetahs led 12-10 at the break.
The teams traded penalty goals as the Cheetahs continued to defend their line with good effect. The Cheetahs finished the game with 118 tackles made, while the visitors made just 50.
The late drama gave the Western Force side the perfect ending to a torrid week.
Drew Mitchell was in great form at fullback, while James Stannard was effective in his first start at halfback. Captain Nathan Sharpe and his deputy Giteau were outstanding throughout.
The Western Force will now play the Lions in Johannesburg next Friday night while the Cheetahs, beaten by one point for the second successive week, entertain the Blues.
Cheetahs (12) 15
Tries: Daniller, Brussow
Con: Potgieter
Pen: Barnard
Western Force (10) 16
Try: Giteau
Con: Giteau
Pen: Giteau (3)
Cheetahs: Hennie Daniller, Eddie Fredericks, JW Jonker, Meyer Bosman, Gavin Passens, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Noel Oelschig, Duane Vermuelen, Juan Smith (capt), Heinrich Brussow, Barend Pieterse, Rory Duncan, Jobus Calldo, Adriaan Strauss, Wian du Preez.
Replacement: Richardt Strauss, Jacobus Rous, David de Villers, Kabamba Floors, Tobie Botes, Conrad Barnard, Hendrik Meyer.
Western Force: Drew Mitchell, Ryan Cross, Scott Staniforth, Scott Daruda, Nick Cummins, Matt Giteau, James Stannard, Richard Brown, David Pocock, Sam Wykes, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Tom Hockings, Troy Takiari, Tai McIsaac, Pek Cowan.
Replacement: Luke Holmes, AJ Whalley, Dave Pusey, Tamaiti Horua, Scott Fava, Lachlan MacKay, Josh Tatupu.
