In Leinster nearly a fortnight ago the Cheetahs battled against Leinster in Dublin in torrential rain, and ultimately suffered a 36-12 defeat.

A week later, the weather a little better in Belfast, and despite their 20-10 defeat to Ulster, the South Africans did a lot better in adapting to the wet and cold conditions.

This week though the Cheetahs are expecting the worst conditions yet, and every bit of experience gained over the past two weeks will have to be put into practice.

Furthermore, the Cheetahs will have to make do without the services of Jasper Wiese and Chris Massyn. The eighthman Wiese has been suspended for four matches for a dangerous cleanout against Ulster, while the flanker, Massyn, has returned back to South Africa with a concussion.

Both of these players are a match made in heaven for the heavier conditions in Europe. The aggressive and powerful ball-carrying by Wiese will be missed, while the Cheetahs will missed the rock-solid defence of Massyn.

The Griquas loose-forward, Sias Koen, is en route to Cardiff to link up with the Cheetahs, and he will play off of the bench on Sunday.

Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, expects the worst conditions yet this season, and they will continue training in Cardiff if they cannot have their captain’s run at Rodney Parade.

“At this stage, it looks as if we will be playing in the worst conditions yet this season. A very strong windy has been predicted, and there will be rain as well.

“As it is there field is very soaked and we will most likely not be allowed to train on the field before the game.

“So, we are expecting a strong wind and a mud bath. It will make things very difficult and these types of conditions tend to a leveler in rugby.

“The Dragons played in strong wind against the Glasgow Warriors as well, and they didn't fare badly. They scored three tries and didn’t lose by much. They have improved a lot as a team throughout the season.

“We really want to finish off the tour on a high note with a win. All of our focus in on that and we still have a training session here today (Thursday) in which we can prepare. We will see what happens tomorrow. If we can’t train in Newport we will just get a field in Cardiff and train here again.

“It’s not ideal, but there is nothing we can do about that. If the Dragons decide that we can’t train on the field on Friday and play there on Saturday, we have to accept that and make another plan.”

Fourie will name his team for the games on Friday afternoon at 14:00.

Saturday’s match between the Dragons and Cheetahs in Newport kicks off at 19:15.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport