In a welcome return to international rugby, the Cheetahs will make their EPCR Challenge Cup debut this December. Their game against the Sharks served as a great opportunity, as stated by captain, Victor Sekekete,  to prepare for the competition ahead.

Despite a narrow 22-19 loss to the Sharks, the Cheetahs showed up and had a lot to take from the game. The players put in great effort to achieve the results they did.

Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, stated that, "It was a very physical game - exactly what we were looking for. The slippery ball made it difficult to play attacking rugby and both teams scored maul tries. We are happy with the quality of play we saw against the Sharks.”

A game with a slippery ball and the humid conditions in Durban gave the team a good taste of what is to come heading to Europe this December. 

Along with being prepared for the weather conditions, a game that was difficult to implement attacking rugby has opened the team up to making this a focus in the weeks ahead of the EPCR Challenge Cup.

“For the next two weeks our focus will be on our attack and how to play in the European conditions, " said coach Hawies Fourie. 

The Cheetahs will face the Griffons in Welkom on the 25th of November in their second warm-up match. Their EPCR Challenge Cup campaign will kick off on the 10th of December in France against Section Paloise. 

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport