The Cheetahs did lose 39–38 to Black Lion in the first game at the Toyota Stadium on Friday, but it was really more a case of the Free State losing the game as opposed to the visitors from Georgia winning.

A clutch penalty from the touchline at the death could have earned the Cheetahs the win, but it wasn’t Cohen Jasper’s fault as he had a good game as usual. The team should not have put themselves in a position to chase the game, especially after their solid first-half performance.

Referee Hanru van Rooyen calming the tensions after a few heated moments and handbags. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs will be making changes to their team for the second encounter this weekend, but it’s far from a case of ringing the changes, as plans did shift somewhat after the defeat. There may be positional switches, such as Franco Smith Jr moving to flyhalf, while Zander du Plessis could earn his first start at inside centre.

The fiery hooker, Chucky van der Westhuizen, will captain the team this weekend, and he told OFM Sport that revenge is the last thing on their minds. They have hit the reset button and view the upcoming match as a totally new and different game.

“I had a wrestling coach who once said, ‘An angry mind is a narrow mind’,” said the Namibian international.

“We don’t want to play narrow-minded rugby. Obviously, there are things we have to step up on physically, and areas we need to sort out in our 22 defence, and so on. We’ll fix those, focus on our game, limit individual errors, and we’ll definitely be better.”

Van der Westhuizen had a strong outing on Friday, as it was his first game back after missing most of the Currie Cup due to a calf injury.

The player added that he was simply happy to be back on the park, and that every time he pulls the Cheetahs jersey over his head is an honour.

Franco Smith Jr could be set to move to play at flyhalf on Sunday. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Yes, it’s nice to be back. I’ve done some solid work in the gym, so we’re confident and strong. I love playing rugby for the States, and it’s always great to be out there.”

Van der Westhuizen and a few of the Georgians exchanged some heated moments during the first half when the Cheetahs were attacking the Black Lion tryline. He added that it was just the nature of the sport we all love so much, and that it’s never personal on the field.

“It’s never personal; it’s just the heat of the moment. We wanted a quick tap and the Georgians slowed it down. It was just a build-up of certain events, and I had a heated moment – but it’s never personal.”

On Sunday at 12:30, the Cheetahs Legends will tackle the Bulls Legends in the curtain-raiser, before the main event at the Toyota Stadium when the Cheetahs face Black Lion at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs