The Cheetahs are set to face the Georgian national men’s team in July in their final match before kicking off their Currie Cup season a week later against Hawies Fourie’s Boland Cavaliers in Wellington.

Currently ranked 11th in the world – above teams like Japan and Wales –Georgia will also use the clash to gear up for their big Test against the Springboks in Mbombela the following week.

The Lelos are a tough side. They’re physical, uncompromising, and won’t back down from a battle, whether it’s on or off the field.

 Lasha Khmaladze of Georgia in action against Wales at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Photo: World Rugby

The Cheetahs have long campaigned for inclusion in a regular international competition such as the United Rugby Championship (URC). Facing Georgia, whose players mostly play their trade in France, offers a golden opportunity to prove their worth on a global stage.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Steyn said this match, which forms part of the team’s 130th anniversary celebrations, is the perfect platform to showcase their potential.

“I think it’s a different challenge compared to the SA Cup. We need to recognise that. Even Georgia could beat most Currie Cup teams,” Steyn said.

“As a rugby player, these are the kinds of games you live for –testing yourself against some of the best in the world. We’ll see who puts up their hand and shows true character.”

Steyn also reiterated the Cheetahs are good enough to return to a competition like the URC. He believes this would not only make them fan favourites once again but also help them retain top talent like highly rated Grey College centre Ethan Adams, who is on his way to the Lions.

“We were chatting about it earlier. Everyone says we’re the ‘fifth team’ in South Africa, but if we were in an international competition, I promise you, we wouldn’t be fifth.” 

Ethan Adams. Photo: Frans Lombaard/ActionPix

“People would want to come to Bloemfontein, players would return, and we’d be able to keep talents like Ethan Adams here. We’d also keep our young players from the Free State and Bloemfontein. That would completely change our situation. We’re still fighting –we’re still moving forward.”

The Cheetahs will face the Suzuki Griquas in a warm-up game on 4 July in Bultfontein. Then on 11 July at 19:00, they’ll take on the Lelos at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg