The Cheetahs were set to face the Lions in Johannesburg on Thursday in a warm-up game, but the hosts have cancelled it, which is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, warm-up games leading into a tournament are always important – but on the other hand, there’s always the risk of injuries that could seriously impact a team’s campaign.

Instead, the Cheetahs will play an intrasquad hit-out on Thursday, as they will no longer be travelling to Johannesburg.

George Lourens in action against the Valke in the SA Cup. Photo: Morgan Piek

Leading into the Currie Cup, Cheetahs flyhalf George Lourens is a case in point. He sustained an injury during a warm-up game against the Suzuki Griquas, fracturing his arm in Bultfontein. This forced the then-in-form backline marshal to miss the entire Currie Cup.

Now fit and ready to play, Lourens told OFM Sport the injury certainly did not come at an ideal time, and he is itching to get back on the field.

“It’s been very frustrating, really bad timing with the injury, but we're back now,” said Lourens.

“We’ve come back just in time for preseason, so it’s tough, but it’s good to have a bit of preseason under my belt, and I’m very keen to get back on the pitch.

“Especially for me, I need to play rugby – whether the Lions are coming or we’re playing amongst ourselves – just to get a bit of contact. So, yeah, I’m excited and happy that we’re having a hit-out, and hopefully I can get back into the groove.”

Lourens added that in the weeks leading up to the Challenge Cup, this is what they’ve been working towards all season. Now it’s time to make the step up, because it will be brutal in Europe, and there are no real second chances.

George Lourens against the Griquas in Kimberley. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The guys we’re going to play aren’t clowns – they’re proper teams, and that’s what we want as a unit,” Lourens said.

“That’s what we want as a union, and that’s where you want to test yourself. So, it’s a step up, but I’m sure all the boys will be ready for it.”

On 7 December, the Cheetahs will kick off their campaign against the Exeter Chiefs in England.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs