The Toyota Cheetahs coach, Hawes Fourie, has lauded the character of his team, despite their disappointing defeat to Oyonnax in Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup game in France.

The Cheetahs had to play with one player short for 68 minutes following Munier Hartzenberg’s red card, and nearly had the game in the back, only to be denied in the 88th minute when in Oyonnax try under the posts earned the home team a 28-27 victory.

Yellow cards for Daniel Kasende and the captain Victor Sekekete didn’t make it any easier for the Cheetahs, but they showed tremendous character and a defensive effort to lose eight minutes after the final whistle.

Pau’s 28-27 win over Zebre however meant that the Cheetahs managed to sneak into the round of 16.

Fourie lauded the fight shown by the Cheetahs to reach the knockout rounds for a second time.

“We were unlucky to lose this game, said Fourie.

“I felt that the players gave 100% effort. We played well, but it was pity that we got the red card against Munier and to play with 13 and 14 guys in some patches was tough.

“But, we did really well - I'm proud of the team and I'm proud of the effort. We're glad to make it through to the round of 16 again.”

It has been confirmed that the Cheetahs will travel to France again for the round of 16 when they tackle the French Top14 team, Clermont. The knockout rounds will be played on the weekend from 5 to 7 April.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport