The team from Welkom were scheduled to face the Georgian outfit, Black Lions, however, they have withdrawn from the tournament for the next two weeks in order to compete in another competition.

The Blacks Lions advanced to the final of the European Super Cup and this is where the focus will be.

This leaves the Griffons as well as the Valke without a game. Before the First Division started, the Black Lions were given permission to withdraw if they made the playoffs.

This could be a blessing in disguise for the Toyota Cheetahs, who in their turn are hunting for an opponent to play against in a warm-up game in order to keep the sharpness levels up on the field.

Before the start of the First Division, the Cheetahs were set to tackle the Griffons in Bloemfontein in a contact session, but this game was called off at the 11th hour.

Following the Cheetahs' 28-21 victory against Western Province in Cape Town on Friday, the coach, Hawies Fourie, stated that while they are looking for an opponent to play against ahead of their next Currie Cup game, no many teams are available.

“We've looked at all of the options, but it is impossible.

“The First Division of the Currie Cup is underway and all of the teams will be playing in the next, so there is no one we can play against.

“There are not many options left for us, but we will think of something, even if we have to play against each other for say 30 or 40 minutes, it will be better than to just have sort of semi-contact, playing against shields or playing two-handed touch.”

With the Shimlas having been eliminated from the Varsity Cup in the semi-finals, it gives the Cheetahs another option as well.

The Cheetahs' next game in the Currie Cup is on 6 May when they face the bottom-of-the-log Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport