On Friday, Black Lion held on for a nail-biting 39–38 win against the Cheetahs after fighting back from behind to take the lead with ten minutes remaining.

The Cheetahs mounted a late comeback with two quick tries, but the Georgians managed to hang on for the historic win. In the dying moments, Cohen Jasper narrowly missed both conversion attempts following tries by Marko Janse van Rensburg and Prince Nkabinde - four points that would have tipped the result in the hosts’ favour.

Mikheil Babunashvili (right) - Morgan Piek

The Georgian Test lock, Babunashvili, told OFM Sport that his team were ready to match the Cheetahs’ physicality and had a clear plan to keep the pressure on their more fancied opponents.

“It was a South African team – we know they’re very physical – so we prepared for that all week,” said Babunashvili.

“We stuck to our plan, and whenever there was a mistake, we tried to fix it during the game. I think we deserved to win on Friday night.

“Our plan was to kick contestables, play in the air, and put pressure on them. We tried to do it throughout the game, even though there were a few moments where we struggled.”

Black Lion coach Richard Cockerill hinted that, much like the Cheetahs, his side would likely rotate their squad for the second encounter. With 32 players on tour, the Georgians want to give everyone a chance to gain valuable game time ahead of the EPCR Challenge Cup and their Autumn Tests against the USA, Canada, and Japan in November.

“We’ve got a squad of 32 players here, so the other guys will get an opportunity,” said Cockerill.

“We’re using this as development and game-time for those who’ll play in the November Tests. Ultimately, we want to prove as Black Lion that we’re good enough to compete with teams like the Cheetahs, Griquas, and Pumas.

“We’re trying to get into the URC, like the Cheetahs and others, and we want to show that Georgian Rugby is credible and should be taken seriously - not just at Test level, but also in franchise rugby. Friday’s win was a step in that direction.”

Daniel Maartens - Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs themselves last week hinted that they may rotate their team for the second encounter, and with would come as no surprise if a player such as the young Shimlas flyhalf Bradley Giddy can be in the mix.

The second and final Toyota Challenge match between the Cheetahs and Black Lion will take place at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday at 15:00.

A curtain-raiser between the Cheetahs Legends and Bulls Legends will kick off at 12:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport