The Cheetahs are still lying in third on the table after three matches, while another defeat will almost certainly end the Sharks chances of reaching the semi-finals.

There was some concern that the flyhalf, Tian Schoeman, would be sidelined for a lengthy period with a calf injury he sustained during the defeat on Friday evening.

However, according to the coach, Franco Smith, the Cheetahs may have some good as it appears that Schoeman’s injury is not as serious as initially thought. Louis Fouché, could play at pivot if he has not recovered in time, while Clayton Blommetjies could make his return. Blommetjies was training at fullback on Monday, while Fouché slotted in as the backline marshal.

Smith, could still opt to bring Carel Jan Coetzee in at centre for the match, and move Benhard Janse van Rensburg over to flyhalf. Van Rensburg is a well-established flyhalf but has played the majority of this rugby at the Cheetahs and Free State in the midfield.

Tighthead prop could be another position which could prove to be a headache for the Cheetahs. It appears that Aranos Coetzee has already departed to link up with the Namibian national team for their World Cup preparations. With Luan de Bruin not expected to be ready before the Guinness PRO14, it is a concern.

Erich de Jager did train with the team in the position on Monday, and Reinach Venter is also in the squad. Venter is a good scrummager, however, battled in the position when he came on as a substitute against the Lions.

Meanwhile, Smith told OFM Sport that while the defeat to the Lions was a setback, they cannot dwell on it and have to take the positives from the lesson learnt.

“A bonus-point victory was on the cards, and we did let it slip. One can either use that as a motivation or as a negative, and we are opting to use it as a motivation to become even better.

“There is no doubt that the Sharks will be a difficult opponent this week. They have lost two matches already and they would like to rectify that this week.”

Saturday’s clash at Kings Park kicks off at 15:00.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport