While Fourie has been in the background at the Cheetahs for the past two weeks, he is officially in charge now after Franco Smith stood in for him for the first three matches of the 2019/20 Guinness PRO14.

The Cheetahs are enjoying some time away from the playing field, however, the preparations for their first overseas tour continues.

With a Currie Cup title as well as PRO14 wins over Glasgow Warriors, Ulster and Munster, the Cheetahs are in a good space at the moment and this will ease the transition period for the team.

The big test will, however, be their tour to Ireland and Wales which begins next week. While the Cheetahs have always been a force to be reckoned with, their overseas record leaves a lot to be desired and their victories abroad can be counted on one hand.

Fourie told OFM Sport that trying to reinvent what has been done in the past will be a big mistake.

“The first day went well. There were a couple of new things that we worked on, and we implemented a few new training methods. It does take some time for players to get used to a new drill or a new way of doing things, so I was quite impressed at how quickly the players bought into it and got things right.

“The execution was good and the intensity was good. There were obviously some guys who want to impress the new coach. I’m very satisfied with how things went.

“I think the biggest mistake I can make is to try and reinvent the wheel. We must stick to what is working for the team and just try and do the small things better. That is what my focus will be over the next week and a half before we go overseas.”

Fourie will be announcing his squad for the tour on Tuesday as there are just waiting for the all-clear for the centre, Dries Swanepoel.

The new coach further confirmed that the Sharks bound prop, Ox Nche, will still be available for selection for next week’s game against Connacht in Galway.

With Charles Marais unavailable the Cheetahs are seeking to get Neethling Fouché’s loan-deal extended as cover at prop. The team has already applied for the players' visas. At this stage, it is unclear if Western Province will clear him and if he will tour with the team.

The Cheetahs will tackle Connacht in Galway next Saturday before facing the Welsh teams Scarlets and Cardiff Blues over the next two weeks.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport