On the weekend the Cheetahs missed an opportunity to secure a semi-final in the competition after playing to a 29-29 draw against the Griquas in Bloemfontein.

The Cheetahs narrowly avoided defeat thanks to a last minute penalty by Ruan Pienaar to draw level.

With just two games remaining this weekend's match has now become even more important.

The Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie told OFM Sport that points this week will be paramount.

“The Griquas came back and they played well in that second part of the first half,” said Fourie.

“I'm still satisfied with the three points which it takes us to 41 points on the log which is really close to a semi-final.

“I think 41 points will be enough, but we've got two games to get some more log points, and that's what we need to do.

“We don't just want to be in a semi-final, we want to play it at home.”

Meanwhile, on Friday the young and exciting Sharks replaced the Cheetahs at the top of the log following their 35-9 win over the Griffons in Welcome. 

The bonus point moved the Sharks up to 43 points and this was enough to secure their place in the semi-finals. They still have to face the Lions at home and Western Province away.

While the Pumas are still third in the standings, their 24-17 defeat to the Bulls on the weekend also dented their chances of reaching the semi-finals and they too will target the Cheetahs as an opportunity to rectify matters. The following week they will travel to Kimberley to face the Griquas.

The Cheetahs other match after the Pumas will be the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

Saturday’s match between the Pumas and Cheetahs at the Mbombela Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport