It will be the first match between the two teams since the Cheetahs beat the Lions 31-28 in the Currie Cup final on 19 September last year.

The Lions do have a renewed confidence after they managed to beat Western Province 22-19 in Johannesburg last week, while the Cheetahs want to bounce back from their 40-13 defeat to the Bulls in Pretoria.

Lions coach, Ivan van Rooyen, says he expects an exciting match this weekend.

“We know that our next opponents will be the Free State, and we know what the situation is with us and with them on the table.

“For us it is a matter, as we always say, next job.

“They will be desperate, and we will definitely also be desperate.

“This weekend it should be good entertaining rugby in Bloemfontein, and we look forward to what will be a great match.”

Saturday’s match at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 16:30.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport