The Toyota Cheetahs and the Southern Kings will however not be partaking in the derbies, and this will leave the door open for a few of the other teams.

As the restriction on rugby games was only recently lifted, there was no time for the Cheetahs or Kings to get to match readiness for the derbies. Furthermore, while the teams have been in training the lack of contact training has been a major issue.

Back-to-back wins and a favour or two would have seen the Cheetahs qualify for the play-offs for the second time in three seasons.

Cheetahs flyhalf, Tian Schoeman, told OFM Sport that it is a bitter pill to swallow, but they have to accept the hand they were dealt.

“It is a bitter pill to swallow because obviously we also wanted to continue with the PRO14,” said the player who as in good form before all matches were suspended.

“I think that we stood a good chance to qualify for the finals, but you’ve got to play that hand that you were dealt.

“All that we can do is prepare ourselves and look forward to the future. At the moment that is the only thing we are doing, is looking towards the future.

“I think all of the Cheetahs will be watching all the PRO14 games and miss being out there on the field.

“As I said, you can only play the hand you were dealt, so we will look towards the future and come back even stronger.”

The proceedings get underway at 20:00 on Friday night with the Italian derby between Benetton and Zebre in Treviso.

Weekend fixtures:

Friday, 21 August

20:00 - Benetton vs. Zebre - Stadio Comunale di Monigo

Saturday, 22 August

16:00 - Scarlets vs. Cardiff Blues - Parc y Scarlets

18:15 - Glasgow Warriors vs. Edinburgh - Murrayfield

18:15 - Leinster vs. Munster - Aviva Stadium

Sunday, 23 August 

15:15 - Ospreys vs. Dragons - Liberty Stadium

17:30 - Connacht vs. Ulster - Aviva Stadium

@MorganPiek OFM Sport