The Griquas remain the team to beat and have had the Cheetahs’ measure over the last couple of years, but this is knockout rugby, and anything can happen.

Last weekend, the Cheetahs fell short against the Bulls, losing 35-31. But after being down 35-5 with just 20 minutes left, they clawed their way back into the contest – a real display of character to ensure they would play in the semi-finals.

Marco Jansen van Vuren. Photo: Morgan Piek

That said, the Cheetahs know they must improve, particularly after their recent 40-10 defeat to the Griquas in Bloemfontein.

Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn told OFM Sport that the team is in a good space ahead of the semi-final, with only minor tweaks needed now that the coaching phase is mostly done.

“We’ve done the job so far, but it’s not finished yet,” said Steyn.

“Everyone in the squad wants to keep improving week by week. Last time against the Griquas, we didn’t start as well as we could in the first 20 minutes, so there are a few things we need to fix. Everyone is excited for the weekend.”

Earlier this year, the Cheetahs faced the Griquas in back-to-back SA Cup games, narrowly losing both. The first went 31-29 to the Griquas, while a week later, the Peacock Blues edged a 41-38 victory in the semi-finals. 

While these were different competitions and much has changed since, the memories linger slightly. Still, the Cheetahs prefer to focus forward rather than backward.

Marco de Witt and Victor Sekekete. Photo: Morgan Piek

Steyn added that luck can play a role, but regardless of the weekend’s outcome, his team has already achieved plenty.

“I think in those two games we were a bit unlucky – one where a guy clearly stepped out and it wasn’t seen, and another where we just didn’t get the call. It was tight,” said Steyn.

“In semi-finals and finals, the bounce of the ball and a bit of luck play a part, so hopefully that luck turns in our favour. But I also spoke to the guys this morning, and I’m extremely proud of them. Win or lose, the way we conduct ourselves on and off the field is massive for me.

Jandré Nel. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’ve used the whole squad throughout the Currie Cup campaign, and that’s what we want – everyone involved, everyone doing their bit. Hopefully, this weekend, we can put up a good performance.”

Saturday’s big semi-final at Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley kicks off at 19:15.

Griquas – 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Gurswin Wehr, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Caleb Abrahams, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Carl Els, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 Cebo Dlamini (captain), 2 Janco Uys, 1 Eddie Davids

Replacements – 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Johan Louw, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Marco de Witt, 21 Thomas Bursey, 22 Tom Nel, 23 Connor Mahoney

Cheetahs - TBA

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek