Last year, the Cheetahs were the team to beat but stumbled in the semi-final against the Pumas, who went on to win the tournament for the first time.

The mood in the Cheetahs' camp is an upbeat one, and they want to start their season on a high.

The Cheetahs' loose forward, Jeandré Rudolph, told OFM Sport that it is important to move on.

"The Currie Cup loss in the semi-final was a bitter pill to swallow as we had a very good campaign until that game," said Rudolph, who started his professional career with the Pumas.

"We've got a bunch of new and fresh faces with players that are eager to go and play good rugby.

"I don't think that this year is a redemption campaign, it's just about us getting it right, peaking at the right time, and going into the knockouts with momentum."

The Cheetahs will tackle the Griffons next week Tuesday in their first Currie Cup warm-up game in Bloemfontein, and a week later they will be in action against the Sharks in a second match.

Reports from the camp indicate that coach Hawies Fourie will use two different teams for their respective warm-up games.

The Cheetahs will get their campaign under way on 11 March against the Griquas in Kimberley.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport