The Cheetahs head abroad next week and their wins overseas can be counted on one hand. Something that Fourie is determined to change.

The tactician indicated that he will not change what works but rather fine-tune the team a little.

Fourie told OFM Sport that is they want to be title contenders they have to make waves abroad.

“To me, the challenge is overseas. If I am correct, were have only managed to beat Zebre twice and the Cardiff Blues once overseas. We haven’t been able to win any other overseas games.

“In the meeting that was the challenge that I gave the players. It is to make the step-up overseas and win games there.

“To reach the quarter-finals you have to win a few games overseas and not just worry about the home games.”

Fourie will be announcing his touring squad on Wednesday and he conceded that selecting the team has not been easy. Fourie feels that even though their match 23 has been pretty settled recently, there are players knocking on the door, and the will be rewarded.

 “The big thing is that I have to rotate players who deserve it. I've already spoken to each of the players one-on-one.

“I told them that if I feel a guy deserves it and he is very close to the guy who was in the starting line-up, I will reward him for it.

“I won't keep him off the field, but I'm not Father Christmas either. I am not just going to hand out caps, he will have to earn his playing opportunity.

“There are a lot of guys here that show they really deserve a chance to play, but I will reward them between the tour and the Ospreys game.”

Connacht hosts the Cheetahs next week Saturday in Galway, with kick-off at 18:15.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport