Rugby
Historic 130th anniversary celebrated with Cheetahs vs Georgia clash─── MORGAN PIEK 13:46 Fri, 30 May 2025
The Toyota Cheetahs have officially launched their highly anticipated friendly match against Georgia, which will take place in July.
The Georgian national rugby team, currently ranked 11th in the world, will face the Cheetahs in a crucial warm-up match ahead of their Test against the Springboks in Nelspruit the following week.
At present, Georgia is ranked higher than both Japan and Wales.
The Cheetahs, in turn, will use the match to assess their progress throughout the season. It will also serve as their final warm-up before they kick off their Currie Cup campaign against the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington the following week.
As part of the celebrations marking the 130th anniversary of the Cheetahs and Free State Rugby, the team will don a limited-edition jersey. Only 130 of these commemorative jerseys will be produced, 30 for the players and the remaining 100 made available for sale to the public.
The last fully fledged international team to be beaten by the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein was Samoa in 2003. On the day the Free State beat the Pacific Islanders 51-45.
The Cheetahs have long called for regular international competition, and Free State Rugby CEO Rory Duncan told OFM Sport that this is a perfect platform for players to showcase their talent, and they are eager to host the visitors.
The Cheetahs vs. Emerging Ireland in Bloemfontein in 2024. Photo: Morgan Piek
“This is a really big game for us. I even joked during the announcement that we’re putting pressure on Frans (Steyn), but the Georgians are extremely competitive,” said Duncan.
“They’re ranked 11th in the world, and you don’t get there by being average. They’re ahead of teams like Japan and Wales.
“It’s going to be a tough challenge, but I believe our players are ready for it. I also believe the entertainment value we’ll provide our supporters will be incredible.
“I’ve seen clear progression in the team. Comparing our first SA Cup match when I arrived to the last few games we played, the team has definitely grown. I’m excited to see what we can do now with a full pre-season leading into the Currie Cup.”
Cheetahs head coach Frans Steyn, who has experience playing with and against Georgians, told OFM Sport that it will be a solid test for his side and good preparation for the tournament. “At least we now have time to plan properly,” said Steyn.
“We’ve got two proper contact sessions, if I can call them that, before the Currie Cup, something we didn’t have in the SA Cup. From my experience playing with and against a lot of Georgians in France, they’re physical, they tackle hard, and they scrum well. We’ll need to be at our best on the day.”
Before facing Georgia, the Cheetahs will play the Suzuki Griquas in Bultfontein on 4 July. The much-anticipated match between the Cheetahs and Georgia will take place on 11 July at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, with kick-off set for 19:00.
