While the Griquas edged out the Cheetahs 31-29 in a tense Round 9 encounter at the same venue last week, the Bloemfontein-based side has put that result behind them.

The Cheetahs are targeting a full 80-minute performance as they aim to secure a spot in the final, which could still be played in Bloemfontein, provided the Boland Cavaliers cause an upset by knocking out the defending champions, the Pumas, in Nelspruit.

Marco Jansen van Vuren and George Lourens. Photo: Morgan Piek

Cheetahs flyhalf George Lourens told OFM Sport that the only thing on the team’s mind is the next game.

“The game that’s done is done – we’re just focusing on the week ahead. We did some good things last week, but that’s in the past now,” said Lourens.

“We want to keep building towards the semi-final. There’s been a lot of positive momentum over the last few games, and we’re looking to build on that.

“We didn’t show everything, but we’ve seen what works and we’ve got a clear plan for the weekend. I’m sure they’ll bring a few new plays too, so we’ll have to be sharp. But it’s great playing back-to-back – it’s a proper challenge for the players, the coaches, everyone. We’re excited.”

Last weekend’s controversial match-winning try by the Griquas has been a talking point, but the Cheetahs are hopeful that the semi-finals – and a potential final – will benefit from full officiating support, including assistant referees and a TMO, to help avoid unnecessary drama.

Ironically, the Griquas themselves were on the receiving end of a contentious call just a few weeks ago when Cameron Hufke’s last-minute try was disallowed during their match against the Pumas in Nelspruit. That reversal handed the Peacock Blues their first-ever defeat of the competition – and potentially cost them a home final.

Cheetahs captain and hooker, Chucky van der Westhuizen, says having full officiating support is vital at this stage of the competition, as the referees themselves and a very tough job. “It would be great if the semi-final will be televised and that we’ll have a TMO – it will make things a lot easier for the referees and the linesmen,” he said.

“When there’s doubt, you can always go back and review the footage. But if there’s no TMO and the assistant refs can’t intervene, it becomes difficult.

James Verity-Amm. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Those 50-50 calls can go either way, and the refs are under a lot of pressure – especially in the SA Cup, where the ARs haven’t always been allowed to help make those decisions. Hopefully, that changes now.”

Meanwhile, the Cheetahs have been dealt a blow with dynamic winger James Verity-Amm ruled out due to a groin injury. The explosive back scored the team’s opening try last weekend. The centre Marco Jansen van Vuren is also in doubt as he recovers from a bruised hip pointer.

Saturday’s eagerly awaited semi-final kicks off at 15:00 at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh