Rugby
Cheetahs ready for scrum battle against Stade Français─── MORGAN PIEK 10:32 Wed, 10 Dec 2025
Toyota Cheetahs loosehead prop Cameron Dawson says the team will have to really man up when they take on Stade Français in Amsterdam this weekend.
The Cheetahs will be chasing their first win of the 2025/26 EPCR Challenge Cup, but it won’t be an easy ride against the French Top 14 outfit, who are known for their direct and physical style, tougher than the Exeter Chiefs, who beat the Cheetahs 42-12 in England on Sunday. Despite the heavy loss, the Cheetahs took it on the chin and saw it as a valuable learning curve.
There’s no doubt the Cheetahs will be tested again this weekend against a Stade Français side sitting fourth on the French Top 14 log, with six wins and five defeats from 11 games.
Cameron Dawson. Photo: Morgan Piek
Exeter, meanwhile, are second in the English Premiership, and the Cheetahs will take confidence from their strong second-half performance at Sandy Park.
Dawson, who missed the Toyota Challenge while on loan to the Sharks for the start of the United Rugby Championship, told OFM Sport that the experience against Exeter has been a steep learning curve. The team will also lean on the wealth of experience from tighthead prop Aranos Coetzee, who has previously played in France.
“I think it’s definitely a step up for us, playing in the EPCR Challenge Cup against teams like Exeter Chiefs and Stade Français, especially when it comes to the set piece,” said Dawson.
“The water’s been bloodied, and the guys now have a much better feel for the pace of the game and what to expect in the scrums. Having someone like Aranos Coetzee with us, who’s got French experience, has been a huge help in preparing us and giving insight into the mentality of French teams.”
In the second half, when Dawson and Coetzee were subbed, the Cheetahs’ scrum was put to the test by youngsters Tielman Nieuwoudt and Frankie Dos Reis. Experience and age always count for a lot in the front row, and the duo certainly learnt a tough lesson against a formidable pack.
Tielman Nieuwoudt. Photo: Morgan Piek
Dawson added that the scrum has been a major focus this week, and the team knows they’ll need to rise to the challenge.
“This weekend, there’s going to be a big emphasis on the scrums,” the powerful scrummager said.
“We’re really going to have to batten down the hatches. It’s going to be a tough, physical game, but the boys are excited and ready to get stuck in. I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead.”
Saturday’s clash between the Cheetahs and Stade Français at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam kicks off at 15:00.
