Six days ago, the Bloemfontein side went down 42–12 to the Exeter Chiefs in England, in a match where the final scoreline didn’t quite tell the full story. Exeter sprinted to a 35–7 lead at half-time with five tries, but the Cheetahs showed plenty of character after the break. 

They fought back bravely and looked far more competitive in the second half, even if execution at key moments let them down.

That defeat, however, is firmly in the rear-view mirror. It’s a new week, a different opponent, a new venue, and a fresh opportunity for the Cheetahs to prove they can punch above their weight against one of the Top 14’s powerhouse clubs.

De-an Ackermann. Photo: Kenneth van Zyl

Injuries picked up against Exeter have forced head coach Frans Steyn into a few changes, but there’s a growing belief within the camp that valuable lessons were learnt. The Cheetahs now have a better understanding of the pace and intensity of Challenge Cup rugby and feel they’ve addressed those areas on the training field.

Midfielder De-an Ackermann, who made his Cheetahs debut in England and shifts from outside to inside centre this week, told OFM Sport that the challenge must be embraced as the side targets an upset in their final match of 2025.

“It was quite frustrating looking back at the first half,” said the product of Hoërskool Diamantveld in Kimberley.

“We were too narrow defensively, which allowed them to cross-kick and gain 20 to 40 metres behind us. It’s very difficult to play on the back foot like that, especially with a new 10, 12 and 13 combination playing together for the first time against a quality Exeter side.”

That midfield combination will look different again this weekend following Zander du Plessis’s groin injury. Ackermann, who impressed with his physicality on debut, believes accuracy and intent will be crucial.

“Against a team like Exeter, you have to be on point with everything you do. One mistake and they punish you straight away,” he said.

Daniel Maartens. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Physically it was a good battle, and it was amazing to test ourselves against players of that quality.”

While Stade Français will pose a different kind of threat, Ackermann says there is plenty of confidence to be taken from last week’s second-half performance.

“We take a lot of positives from the second half – it was only 7–5 for that entire half. That gives us confidence going into Saturday against Stade Français,” he added.

“They’re also a very physical team, but we’re 100 per cent ready. We know what battle lies ahead and we’re excited about the challenge.”

George Lourens. Photo: Morgan Piek

Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup clash between the Cheetahs and Stade Français at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam kicks off at 15:00.

Toyota Cheetahs – 15 Michael Annies, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 De-an Ackermann, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 George Lourens,9 Marco Jansen van Vuuren, 8 Gideon van der Merwe, 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Juan Venter, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 1 Cameron Dawson

Replacements – 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Dux Manyama, 18 Frankie Dos Reis, 19 Curtly Thomas, 20 Sisonke Vumazonke, 21 Neels Volschenk, 22 Jandré Nel, 23 Clayton Blommetjies

Stade Français – 15 Mathis Ibo, 14 Charles Laloi, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Jeremy Ward (captain), 11 Andy Timo, 10 Louis Foursans-Bourdette, 9 Thibaut Motassi, 8 Iakopo Mapu, 7 Ryan Chapuis, 6 Juan-Martin Scelzo, 5 Jacques Botha, 4 Pierre-Henri Azagoh, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 2 Alvaro Garcia Albo, 1 Jack Iscaro

Replacements – 16 Lucas Peyresblanques, 17 Moses Alo-Emile, 18 Braxton Asi, 19 Mathieu Hirigoyen, 20 Setareki Turagacoke, 21 Noah Nene, 22 Martin Blum, 23 Joe Jonas

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs