The Cheetahs beat Section Paloise twice in last year’s competition.  Fourie says this time round, the team might be even stronger than last year.

 “In last year’s game, we had to play without guys like Oupa, Frans and Ruan. In this game, we’ve got Ruan back and Oupa is in the touring squad, so I think we are a bit stronger.  We’ve come through a tough Currie Cup since then and I think the team worked well together.”

Fourie says even though the win against the Sharks last year boosted the team’s confidence, they will not be complacent come Sunday.

“We don’t want to become complacent. I have been tough with the players and the team during sessions, because when you become complacent you go into a comfort zone and you lose games you should have won.  It will be a new start for us, but I feel we know what we want to do and how we want to play,” he said.

Fourie feels that his team is well prepared and that the Cheetahs could beat Section Paloise again.  They will also will look toward Dutch International Reinhardt Fortuin for insight into the field and conditions at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam. The South African-born Fortuin was selected by the Netherlands for the 2023 Rugby Europe Championships in January last year.

Sunday’s game will take place at the NRCA Stadium and kick-off is at 3 PM.

OFM Sport