Currently in pre-season, these games form a key part of the Cheetahs’ preparations, and they’ll no doubt view them as opportunities to build valuable momentum ahead of the tournament.

Last year, the Cheetahs reached the semi-finals, and they remain confident of delivering another strong campaign this time around.

Marco de Witt and Prince Nkabinde. Photo: Morgan Piek

However, they face a challenging draw, with fixtures against the Boland Cavaliers away, the Pumas at home, and the defending champions, the Sharks, in Durban during the first three rounds.

The clash against the Griquas in Bultfontein will mark their third consecutive encounter with the Kimberley-based side. Following a nearly two-month break, this fixture will likely serve as a chance to get the legs moving again. That said, it is a game against the Free State and Griquas, so it will be game on and all guns blazing.

The match against Georgia’s Lelos will be a different challenge entirely. The Eastern Europeans will be coming off a Test against Ireland the week before, and they’ll be eager to impress as they push for selection to face the Springboks the following weekend.

In addition to being the Cheetahs’ final match before the Currie Cup begins, the game holds special significance for Free State Rugby, forming part of their 130th anniversary celebrations. To mark the occasion, the team will wear a limited-edition commemorative jersey – only 130 will be produced, with 100 available for sale to the public.

The scrumhalf Jeandré Nel told OFM Sport that building momentum ahead of the Currie Cup is crucial, and that these two matches play an important role in their preparation, particularly the encounter against Georgia.

“We’re excited for the upcoming Currie Cup season. I think these two warm-up games are going to be massive in terms of preparation.

Limited edition 130th anniversary jersey. Image: Cheetahs

“The Griquas game is key in getting us ready for the Georgia match.

“That game against Georgia is going to be something special for the Free State team. I think every player – and everyone in the Free State – is excited. It’s going to be a big occasion.

“We want to put in a strong performance and, hopefully, our preparation in the warm-up against Griquas in Bultfontein will set us up for success against Georgia, and give us the exposure we’re looking for.

Zane Bester and Carel-Jan Coetzee. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’re really looking forward to the season. The Currie Cup means a lot to us. We’re training hard and we know what’s ahead. These games against Griquas and Georgia are going to be crucial in getting us ready for Boland.

“We need to start strong and pick up points in the first three games. We’re excited. We’re training hard – and loving it!”

The Cheetahs face the Griquas in Bultfontein on 4 July, and a week later they will tackle the Lelos at the Toyota Stadium.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg