Rugby
Cheetahs out to redeem themselves against Black Lion─── MORGAN PIEK 09:03 Mon, 20 Oct 2025
The Toyota Cheetahs will look to bounce back on Sunday when they face Black Lion of Georgia in Bloemfontein in the second and final Toyota Challenge game.
On Friday, Black Lion stunned the Cheetahs with a narrow 39–38 victory at the Toyota Stadium. However, had Cohen Jasper’s last-minute conversion attempt from the touchline found its mark, it would have been the home side celebrating.
Despite the loss, the Cheetahs showed glimpses of good rugby. They didn’t play poorly overall, but crucial basic errors proved costly in key moments of the game.
Cohen Jasper. Photo: Morgan Piek
At least three attacking line-out opportunities were wasted from penalties that were kicked too long – one or two errors can happen in rugby, but three missed kicks to touch by the same player is simply unforgivable. Those mistakes potentially cost the team 21 points, while Black Lion capitalised and turned those missed chances into scores of their own.
Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn told OFM Sport that while there were positive signs, the team needs to start showing visible improvement – especially with the EPCR Challenge Cup on the horizon, where the level of competition will be far tougher.
“I can’t keep on saying that every time - I’m taking this one on the chin,” said the two-time Rugby World Cup winner.
“I need to sort out some stuff, and we’d better do it very quickly. Because I don’t feel we’re better off. We need to make some changes in how we do things during the week.”
Steyn added that he stands by the decisions made on the field but admitted the squad must identify problem areas and find solutions fast – both for their own confidence and for their fans.
“It’s a team sport, so whatever decision the guys take, I’m backing them 100%. I don’t mind going for the corner and all that – I think we had it in us to win and to put up a good performance.
The 20-year-old lock Arno van der Merwe had a very good outing for the Cheetahs. Photo: Morgan Piek
“But I don’t think we did that. I need to go look at how we can get what we’re doing during the week onto the field on game day. We did some good things, but our urgency on defence, especially around the rucks and the goal line, needs fixing – that’s something I can sort out in a week.
“We need to fix it quickly, especially me. Whether it’s the training programme or what we’re doing on the field, I need to fix that because we’re letting the players and fans down.”
The second Toyota Challenge match between the Toyota Cheetahs and Black Lion will be played at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
