While the log remains tightly congested, with all eight teams still mathematically in the running for the semi-finals, this week could prove decisive, as some teams’ ambitions of making the knockout rounds may come to an end.

On Saturday, the 13-man Cheetahs dug deep to grind out a 31-24 victory against Western Province at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. They are now well on their way to the semi-finals, helped by the Lions’ nail-biting 36-35 win over the Pumas in Nelspruit.

Victor Sekekete. Photo: Morgan  Piek

Boland climbed into second place after beating the Bulls 28-20 in Wellington on Sunday, and are still breathing down the necks of the Cheetahs. However, they now face a tough trip to Nelspruit, where they’ll have to brace themselves for a fired-up Pumas outfit. There’s no doubt that coach Jimmy Stonehouse will demand a backlash from his team after their one-point defeat.

Although the Cheetahs sit on top of the log, discipline remains a concern at crucial moments. A red card in any game is simply unacceptable, and this nearly allowed the visitors to claw their way back into the contest. On Saturday, Province’s replacement scrumhalf, Ezekiel Ngobeni, crossed under the posts, only for the try to be disallowed due to a knock-on earlier in the move. It was a huge let-off for the Free Staters – a draw would have told a very different story, with the Cheetahs still not firing on all cylinders.

The Lions now head to Bloemfontein with renewed belief, determined to give the Cheetahs a proper “cat fight”.

The Cheetahs captain Victor Sekekete told OFM Sport that the team must keep fighting every week and build on the momentum heading into a block of crucial fixtures against the Lions, Suzuki Griquas, and Bulls away.

“I think it was a good performance. What I said to the guys was that the Boland game set the tone for the Currie Cup – it’s going to be an ugly fight,” Sekekete explained.

Franco Smith Jr. Photo: Morgan Piek

“So we’re just taking it week by week. We have to go to the trenches in every single game. I think that mindset has really helped us, and it’s paying off.”

On a positive note for the Cheetahs, 25-year-old flyhalf Franco Smith Jr delivered a strong performance and may have done enough to cement the No.10 jersey until Tiaan Swanepoel and George Lourens return from injury.

The coach Frans Steyn told OFM Sport he was impressed with the young playmaker’s impact, particularly on defence in the ten channel.

Marco Jansen van Vuren is shown a red card by Stephan Geldenhuys. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I think in the second half we didn’t play as well, but imagine what more time with him at ten could do. With Marco Jansen van Vuren, Ali Mgijima, Carel-Jan Coetzee, Michael Annies, and Prince Nkabinde all coming back next week, we’ll be able to play more rugby,” said Steyn after the match.

“In the first half, we had some great interplay at the back, and defensively in the ten channel, it was the most solid it’s been in the Currie Cup. I’m very happy with today’s performance.”

Jansen van Vuren will most likely miss the game against the Lions following two yellow cards for deliberate knockdowns against Province, which resulted in a red card.

The Cheetahs will face the Lions on Saturday in Bloemfontein with kick-off set for 14:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs