The Cheetahs are still in a strong position to reach the semi-finals again, but they must beat the Bulls with a bonus point to secure their spot. Should the Pumas beat the Sharks in Durban with a bonus point on Friday, they could potentially leapfrog into the playoffs.

The Cheetahs will, however, be hoping for a favour from the Sharks with a third-straight win, though that’s a tough ask from the team from Durban.

Prince Nkabinde. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Bulls, meanwhile, are out of the running, and even a win against the Cheetahs won’t change their position. The 2024/25 URC finalists will, however, call on some of their big guns for the match, which will also serve as preparation for their upcoming United Rugby Championship campaign.

While several star players are with the Springboks in New Zealand and others are sidelined with injuries, the Bulls still have plenty of quality players to call upon, making it something of a double-edged sword for the team from the capital.

The Cheetahs were boosted by the news that two of their most consistent performers, Prince Nkabinde and Marco Jansen van Vuren, have opted to renew their contracts early and are both expected to feature on Saturday.

Nkabinde told OFM Sport that it was an easy decision to stay and that the squad is eager to bounce back against the Bulls this week.

“I’ve been here for a year and three months, to be precise. For me, it’s an honour to be part of this team,” said the all-time leading try-scorer in Varsity Cup rugby.

“The coaches have welcomed me so well, and Bloemfontein has been amazing. I’ve settled in nicely and really enjoyed playing for the Cheetahs this past year. It’s an honour, and I’m excited to stay for the next two years.

Marco Jansen van Vuren. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s a great opportunity to measure ourselves. We want to compete at an international level, so we need to lift our game against the Bulls this weekend. We’re looking forward to it and can’t wait.”

Jansen van Vuren, who previously represented the Bulls at scrumhalf and centre before joining the Cheetahs, told OFM Sport that he has been looking forward to the game against his former team since Sunday.

“For us as a squad, it’s fantastic to test ourselves against them. I’ve been excited about this match since Sunday, and I think everyone feels the same. It’s about going out there and expressing ourselves.”

Saturday’s match between the Bulls and the Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld kicks off at 19:05.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh