The Cheetahs will tackle the Pumas on Saturday and for Van Vuuren it will be his second final with the team.

In 2016 the Cheetahs thumped the Bulls 36-16 in the final in Bloemfontein, and that was Van Vuuren’s last match before joining the latter. This week’s final is also Van Vuuren’s last before he heads to the Lions in Johannesburg.

The powerful front-rower told OFM Sport that the 2016 final marked the start of his senior career, and while it is a different final against a different team, there are similarities in terms of the vibe and energy within the camp.

“In 2016 it was the last time I won any trophy, and it was also the start of my career,” said the 27-year-old Van Vuuren.

“That was definitely a big highlight in my career, and as mentioned it was the start because the final was only the second game of my senior career.

“The vibe we have in the team this week is exactly that same feeling I got seven years ago. You feel like you can go onto any field, against any team and beat them. That's really an awesome feeling to have.”

Van Vuuren made his return to the field just a few weeks ago from a lower-back injury during the 29-14 win against the Pumas in Nelspruit. The return for Van Vuuren was far from ideal with the player being punished heavily in the opening 10 minutes for conceding four to five penalties.

Last week during the 39-10 win against the Bulls, Van Vuuren was also sent to the sin-bin in the 9th minute of the match for cynical play.

Van Vuuren conceded that it has been a tough return from a discipline perspective, but he wants to focus on the positives in order to give his best for the team and end his second chapter in Bloemfontein on a high note.

“On Saturday in the game against the Bulls when I got the yellow card, I had this calmness and I just told myself to keep on going because it's not the end of the world.

“Somewhere I am going to break this negative trend and focus on the right things. It's a matter of doing what's best for the team and just to give my best in every aspect where I can.

“I'm just focusing on scrumming and carrying the ball well, as well as keeping my work rate up for the team.

“This weekend it's another final and another opportunity. Very few guys can say that they've won two Currie Cups and I can't think of a better way to end my chapter here.

“I want to leave here on a good note as you never know if your journey will lead you back here. Bloemfontein will always be my second home - this is where everything started for me, so I'm going to give it my all for my teammates and my God.”

The only other player in the current Cheetahs setup that has previously played in and won a final with the Cheetahs is Ruan Pienaar.

The big final between the Cheetahs and the Pumas at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein will kick-off at 16:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport