The Toyota Cheetahs will target an improved performance on Saturday when they face the Western Force in Bloemfontein in the second Toyota Challenge game.

On Friday the Cheetahs beat the Force 31-27 courtesy of a brace of tries by the hooker Marnus van der Merwe, while Gideon van der Merwe and Marko Janse van Rensburg also dotted down.

All four of the Cheetahs tries came from mauls, while the Force were much better in playing an expansive game.

The overly wet field made it tricky for the Cheetahs to play their more natural game, however, it was case of their handling letter them down in crucial moments, while the discipline remains an issue.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that this week he will be fielding a different team.

“We were not happy with the performance, but we are glad that we could pull it through,” said Fourie.

“The forwards pulled us through with the four maul tries. We are going to change the team totally - I told the players if they are healthy and fit, they are going to get game time in these two games against the Force. It's to try and stake a claim for the tour to Australia.

“There will be a lot of changes, but hopefully the team that will play next week will show a bit more urgency.”

Saturday’s game between the Cheetahs and Force at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

Scorers:

Cheetahs: Tries – Marnus van der Merwe 2, Gideon van der Merwe, Marko Janse van Rensburg Conv. – Ruan Pienaar 4 Pen. - Pienaar 

Western Force: Tries - Ronan Leahy, Harry Potter, Gio Leituala Conv. - Max Burey 3 Pen. – Burey 2

Morgan Piek OFM Sport