The Cheetahs have no room for error as they prepare for a crucial SA Cup clash against the undefeated Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday night. After a disappointing start to the tournament, coach Frans Steyn has emphasized the importance of securing a victory to keep their Currie Cup aspirations alive.
Cheetahs Eye Redemption After Rocky Start
The Bloemfontein-based outfit suffered a shocking 45-29 defeat to Boland in their opening match but rebounded strongly with an emphatic 69-0 win over the Leopards, scoring 11 tries in the process. Now, they must carry that momentum into their clash against the Pumas, a side that has looked formidable so far in the competition.
“We slipped up against Boland and now we can’t afford to make any more mistakes,” Steyn stated. “If we do, we are out of the Currie Cup, and that would be a massive setback for us as a union.”
Currently sitting in fifth place on the SA Cup log, the Cheetahs must break into the top four to secure a place in the Currie Cup’s premier division. With only nine matches in the competition, there is little margin for error.
“The SA Cup is very important to us,” Steyn continued. “For some people, this competition might not be a big deal, but for us, it’s everything. If we don’t perform well, we stand to lose a lot. I believe we have the most to lose out of any team in this tournament.”
Pumas Pose a Tough Challenge
The last encounter between these two teams in Nelspruit saw the Cheetahs claim a dominant 41-14 victory during the 2024 Currie Cup season. However, Cheetahs captain Louis van der Westhuizen is not reading too much into past results.
“You can’t look at last year’s result,” he said. “This is a new team with new coaches and a different system. We have built momentum, and we need to keep that going.”
Van der Westhuizen expects a fierce battle, acknowledging the Pumas’ well-balanced squad and tactical approach.
“It’s always a tough fight between us and the Pumas. They will come out firing, and we know they have dangerous kickers across their backline. Their kicking game is going to test us, and we need to be disciplined. They will capitalize on any mistakes we make, especially when it comes to conceding penalties.”
The Pumas, currently in second place, have made a strong start to their SA Cup campaign and will be eager to continue their winning run. The match is expected to be played at a high tempo, with both teams bringing physicality and intensity to the contest.
Team Changes and Tactical Adjustments
Steyn has made a few adjustments to his squad ahead of the high-stakes clash. Lock Victor Sekekete and No. 8 Jeandre Rudolph return to bolster the forward pack, while Litha Nkula and Michael Annies slot back into the wing positions. Ali Mgijima is set to start at inside centre, adding stability to the midfield.
The Cheetahs will also deploy a 6-2 split on the bench, signaling their intent to dominate the physical battle up front.
Cheetahs Starting XV vs Pumas
Forwards:
- Hencus van Wyk
- Louis van der Westhuizen
- Aranos Coetzee
- Carl Wegner
- Victor Sekekete (captain)
- Neels Volschenk
- Pierre Uys
- Jeandre Rudolph
- Jandre Nel
- George Lourens
- Litha Nkula
- Ali Mgijima
- Raegan Oranje
- Michael Annies
- Cohen Jasper
Bench:
16. Vernon Paulo
17. Matome Manyama
18. Frankie dos Reis
19. Pieter Janse van Vuren
20. Daniel Maartens
21. Sesonke Vumazonke
22. Rewan Kruger
23. Jooste Nel
Do-or-Die Moment for the Cheetahs
With the stakes higher than ever, the Cheetahs must bring their A-game to Nelspruit. A victory against the Pumas could put them back on track in their SA Cup campaign, but a loss would leave them with a mountain to climb in the race for a Currie Cup spot.
“The key is discipline, execution, and physicality,” Van der Westhuizen reiterated. “We know what’s at stake, and we are ready for the challenge.”
Kickoff is set for Friday night in what promises to be a thrilling battle between two determined sides. Will the Cheetahs rise to the occasion, or will the Pumas extend their unbeaten run? Rugby fans won’t want to miss this one.
