There’s a fresh energy around the team, and much of it stems from the arrival of Tiaan Liebenberg as the new forwards coach. 

Liebenberg is a passionate, high-energy individual who tends to be well-liked by everyone, and you can see that in the intensity during training sessions. The former Springbok and Stormers hooker has been in the role for a few weeks now, and he’s inherited a solid foundation from Izak van der Westhuizen.

Izak van der Westhuizen. Photo: Morgan Piek

Liebenberg told OFM Sport that he’s thoroughly enjoyed his time at the Cheetahs so far and is delighted that the players have bought into his plans. “I’m really enjoying it. Obviously, I was a bit nervous joining a professional setup, but the guys were incredibly welcoming,” said Liebenberg.

“Everyone’s here to work, and I think the squad embraced the changes because it’s something fresh. Like I said, I’m really enjoying it.”

He added that familiarity with some of the players has made the transition much smoother.

“Definitely. I’ve played against Hencus (van Wyk) – we faced off in Polokwane right at the end of my career – so I know him. I’ve played with Aranos (Coetzee), and I’ve coached a number of the other guys who are here now.

“That definitely made things easier, and the transition has been smooth. The guys have been open, willing to listen, and receptive to my ideas.

“They’ve worked under a great coach in Sakkie (Izak van der Westhuizen) for a long time, and I really appreciate how they’ve taken me in – because it could’ve gone differently.” Liebenberg said Van der Westhuizen had put a strong system in place, so it’s not about starting from scratch, but rather refining what’s already there.

Daan Human. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Absolutely. The other day, we had a chat with the pack, and the thing is, Sakkie and I both came through under Daan Human, so a lot of the scrum philosophy remains the same.

“There are a few different ideas around lineouts, and I think it’s always refreshing to bring something new into a setup like this. The guys have embraced the change in a big way, which has made me very happy.”

Having played at the highest level for many years, including Super Rugby, Liebenberg understands the value of intensity – something he came to appreciate even more under Swys de Bruin. “It’s going to be massive. Over the last four years, Swys de Bruin has had a big impact on me, especially in terms of how intensity can influence a game.

Swys de Bruin. Photo: X

“We saw it on Saturday with the Bulls and Leinster – the way Leinster started with that intensity was just huge.

“That’s something I believe in, and I try to instill it. If you combine that intensity with good decision-making, it becomes really hard to stop. 

“So we’re putting in serious effort to raise our intensity and stack the days to keep getting better.”

The Cheetahs will face the Suzuki Griquas in Bultfontein on 4 July in a warm-up match, before turning their attention to a clash with the Georgian national team a week later.

Their Currie Cup campaign kicks off on 27 July against the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh