Pienaar has been named head coach for the match, which forms part of Free State Rugby’s 130th anniversary celebrations.

It’s almost poetic that the former Cheetahs captain will be calling the shots in such a landmark week. Pienaar is continuing the proud legacy of his father, the legendary Gysie Pienaar, as he steps into the coaching role.

Ruan Pienaar. Photo: Morgan Piek

Like his dad, Ruan has worn the green-and-gold of the Springboks, captained Free State, and, for at least this game, will serve as head coach of the team. The Pienaar father-and-son duo are arguably among the greatest to have donned the famous white jersey and won the Currie Cup with the Free State. 

In addition, both are also products of the University of the Free State Shimlas. They remain the only father-and-son duo to have won the Rugby World Cup with the Springboks. 

Gysie was the manager in 1995, while Ruan won the title as player in 2007. Friday’s match against Georgia is also a Currie Cup warm-up fixture, and the Cheetahs will be eager to make a statement under their new coach.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Pienaar said it’s a big week for Cheetahs rugby and the team is determined to deliver a strong performance.

“Yeah, it’s a big occasion for us, Free State Rugby is 130 years old,” said Pienaar. “We’re getting to play against an international team like Georgia, which has performed really well over the last few years. They’re tough opposition, and it’s a great test to see where our squad stands.

I think it’s exciting for all of us, but we know it’s going to be a massive challenge.”

Gysie Pienaar (middle row, second from right). Photo: X

While the Cheetahs suffered a 40-19 defeat to the Suzuki Griquas in Bultfontein in their first warm-up game, Pienaar said there were still plenty of positives to take from the outing, and they’re looking to build on that this week.

“There were a lot of positives. Of course, when you look at the scoreboard, it’s not what we wanted, but we used the game to try out a few things.

“We gave some youngsters opportunities, and we probably didn’t play the way we would in a Currie Cup fixture. We experimented a bit and played in areas we usually wouldn’t.

Ruan Pienaar. Photo: Morgan Piek

“But like you said, there’s a lot we can take from it. Three of our under-20 players got a run against a strong Griquas side, and they stepped up and played really well.

“We also tested a few new combinations to see what certain guys can do. Ntokozo Makhaza is new to the setup, and we gave him some valuable game time. So, while the scoreboard didn’t reflect it, from a coaching point of view, we took a lot of positives.”

Friday evening’s historic clash between the Cheetahs and Georgia kicks off at 19:00 at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh