The near three-month wait is over for the side and they will be looking to carry their 2016 Currie Cup success over into the world’s most gruelling rugby competition.

The team are aware that the Lions will be heading to the City of Roses with a much stronger team.

The Cheetahs, who finished the competition in 14th place last season, however, welcome playing their opening match against the 2016 runners-up.

The Cheetahs flyhalf, Niel Marais, who is fit and ready for the weekend, told OFM Sport that as a player they want to measure themselves against the best possible teams.

“As a player you want to test yourself against the best side in the competition, or closest you can get to that,” said the pivot.

“We’re very excited, it’s a big weekend ahead and we’ve been waiting pretty much three months for this.

“We’re looking forward to getting onto the park and doing what we love. The guys are very excited and very keen and there is a lot of energy in the camp.

With the Springbok centre Francois Venter still not having fully recovered from his ankle surgery it means the team will have another captain for at least this week.

A host of players can lead the side and the obvious choices for the role are Torsten van Jaarsveld, Oupa Mohoje and Reniel Hugo, while Tian Meyer and Francois Uys also have experience in leading the team.

Marais says the beauty about their group of players is that there are many leaders and the will all be followed by the team.

“The fact that there are so many leaders in our team is something that the players have bought into.

“I don’t think it will be too difficult to step into the role and I think anyone of the guys can do it.

“It doesn’t matter who leads, they will be backed but the team. Each guy will take ownership and the leadership for his own position.

“I think it’s a very exciting prospect for us and as I mentioned we’re all just excited to play this weekend”.

Franco Smith will be announcing his side for the clash on Thursday afternoon at 12:00.

Saturday’s match between the Cheetahs and the Lions at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 15:05.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport