The Toyota Cheetahs loose-forward, Jeandré Rudolph, will be playing in his 50th game for the team on the weekend when they tackle the Sharks in round two of the EPCR Challenge Cup that will be played in Bloemfontein.

Since arriving at the Cheetahs in 2020, the live-wire loosie has made a name for himself after previously having captained the Pumas and played for the Bulls.

Rudolph came agonisingly close to winning the man of the match award on the weekend during their outstandings 33-15 win against Zebre in Parma, Italy.

The Cheetahs go into their first real home game in the competition as the underdogs, and this is something they welcome, but the ever-optimistic Rudolph, believes it’s going to be a cracking game, and they can win.

Rudolph told OFM Sport that the key will be for them to play as a team, just like they did against Zebre.

“This weekend we've got an opportunity to measure ourselves,” said Rudolph.

“I think the Sharks have got a great team filled with Springbok upfront and at the back. So, I think it's going to be a hell of a battle upfront and it's going to take a team effort to win on Sunday.

“Like you said, the Sharks and Zebre have got a similar style of rugby, so it's going to be a challenging game, but the guys are looking forward to it and cannot wait to get out onto the pitch on Sunday.”

The Cheetahs will be naming their team for the derby on Friday afternoon at 14:00. Sunday’s game between the Cheetahs and Sharks at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport