For the Cheetahs the venue is somewhat of a special one as it is where they played their first-ever game in the competition.

On that September day three years ago, Ulster beat the Cheetahs, who were led onto the park by Niell Jordaan.

The 41-19 win was also Ulster’s biggest victory over the Cheetahs, in fact, their only win.

Since then, the two teams clashed twice in Bloemfontein, with the match in 2018 ending in a 29-29 draw, while in October of 2019, the Cheetahs hammered Northern Irish outfit, 63-26.

The only Cheetahs survivors from the 2017 game are William Small-Smith, Clayton Blommetjies, Aranos Coetzee, Charles Marais, Gerhard Olivier and Tian Meyer.

As it stands, Ulster occupies the second spot in Conference A with 37 points, six points clear of the Cheetahs who are in third on 31. Weather permitting it will be another thriller between the two sides.

The match will also see the return of Ruan Pienaar to the Kingspan Stadium. This is something Ulster fans have been waiting for since it was announced that Pienaar would be joining the Cheetahs.

Following 101 PRO-rugby games for Ulster, Pienaar, enjoyed a brief stint at Montpellier in France before heading back to his home town.

Pienaar, who is regarded as a legend of the Irish club, told OFM Sport that he is delighted to be returning to his old home ground, but admits that it will be strange not to be pulling an Ulster jersey over his head.

“I’ve been speaking to a lot of the guys that played in that first game over here, and it was a special occasion for them.

“They all really enjoyed the atmosphere, and I think that they are all looking forward to playing there again.

“For myself, I obviously spent seven years at Ulster, so it will be strange to run-out against them and wearing a different jersey.

“I am looking forward to it. It has been a while since I have played at the Kingspan and it is a special place to play rugby. The supporters are brilliant, so I am really looking forward to it.

“It is an important game for us to hopefully get a result. Hopefully, we perform well and perform better, and put ourselves in a position to get a result after 80 minutes.

“It is a tough place to come to, and Ulster has a very good record at home, and we will have to play really well to get a result.”

Saturday’s evenings eagerly anticipated game between Ulster and the Cheetahs at the Kingspan Stadium kicks off at 21:35.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport