The seven-time champions will take on the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria in the final round-robin match of the world’s oldest domestic rugby competition. While a simple win will do, a victory with a bonus point remains the ideal outcome.

The Sharks helped the Cheetahs’ cause on Friday night, defeating the Pumas 19-13 at Kings’ Park in Durban. The Pumas, having lost by fewer than seven points, earned a single log point. This lifted them to 21 points, level with the Cheetahs, but their superior points difference keeps them in the semi-final spots for now.

Franco Smith Jr. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs face a bolstered Bulls side, though the Pretoria outfit isn’t entirely match-fit, with many players yet to feature this season. Despite this, the Free Staters control their own destiny. 

Various outcomes could see them through, but a win with a bonus point would likely secure a home semi-final. Even a narrow loss within seven points would still see them qualify.

A defeat within seven points while scoring four tries would earn the Cheetahs two log points – but ideally, they’ll aim to go all out, score four tries, and secure a maximum of five points.

Earlier this week, Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn told OFM Sport the team just needs to back themselves.

“We spoke about it. We need to be ‘lus’ – as long as we’re keen, we always have a chance. We just have to stay in the fight, and you never know. Rugby is a stupid game, and I don’t know why I stay involved with it. 

“Look what happened over the weekend; I’m going to be bald one of these days,” the two-time Rugby World Cup winner chuckled.

“But despite all that, we fell in love with the game. That’s why we’re still involved – to make a difference, try to help where we can, and have a positive influence on people’s lives.

“Mindset-wise, if we show up and do our jobs, I’m so proud of the guys we have – the team and how far we’ve come. We’re still a bunch of new coaches, no excuses, but we’ve changed our whole defensive and lineout systems, and the players still turn up and train hard every day.”

Daniel Maartens. Photo: Morgan Piek

“So, like I said, I’m proud of the guys. If we do our best this weekend, win or lose, we’ll come back and fight again the next day.”

On Saturday, Western Province will take on the Boland Cavaliers at Cape Town Stadium at 14:45, while the Lions host log-leaders Suzuki Griquas at Ellis Park in Johannesburg at 17:00.

Saturday night’s must-win clash between the Bulls and Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld kicks off at 19:05.

Bulls – 15 Devon Williams, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 David Kriel, 12 Jan Serfontein, 11 Alfonso Isaacs, 10 Keagan Johannes, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Abri van der Westhuizen, 7 Mpilo Gumede, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Jaco Grobbelaar, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Alulutho Tshakweni

Replacements – 16 Juann Else, 17 Ruan Swart, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Harold Vorster, 23 Stedman Gans

Cheetahs – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 11 Cohen Jasper, 10 Franco Smith Jr, 9 Jandré Nel, 8 Neels Volschenk, 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Juan Venter, 3 Frankie Dos Reis, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Cameron Dawson

Replacements – 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Tielman Niewoudt, 18 John-Kelly Okonkwo, 19 Sisonke Vumazonke, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Reagan Oranje, 22 Banie Britz, 23 Michael Annies

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg