The Cheetahs recorded wins over the Dragons and Southern Kings in their last two outings, and will want to take that momentum into the domestic competition.

Free State can only improve from last year’s Currie Cup campaign when they weren’t able to record a single win.

The coach, Franco Smith, told OFM Sport that it is important to start things with a pre-season.

 “It is wonderful for the players, and I will grant them that.

“I think that despite what the results say, the players developed well over the last season, and now we have a group of experienced Pro14 players.

“I also think that now we are used to competing in the tournament and despite the results, I am happy with the consistency in our performances.

“We get measured by our results and the supporters in South Africa don’t have an understanding of how tough this competition really is.

“We are done with the Pro14 now and we know exactly what is necessary to head into the future. The upcoming Currie Cup will be important, especially with our sights set on the Pro14 next season.”

 “A proper preseason is necessary, and these guys haven’t had a preseason in three years. We can only change things when there is time to change things.

“So I am excited for them that there is a bit of preseason, and then the Currie Cup is the main ingredient to take it to the next level.”

Free State face the Blue Bulls on 19 July at Loftus Versfeld in their first game.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport