The Cheetahs were initially set to travel to Cradock in the Eastern Cape to face the Eastern Province Elephants on Saturday, but that fixture was cancelled at the request of EP due to an injury crisis in their camp. The damage was particularly severe at loosehead prop, with niggles picked up during warm-up matches against the Border Bulldogs and South Western Districts Eagles leaving them stretched too thin.

On paper, Eastern Province may have provided a sterner test more aligned to what the Boland Cavaliers will bring in round one of the SA Cup. However, the Griffons are unlikely to take a backward step. 

If anything, they will offer a bruising, physical challenge – something the Cheetahs won’t shy away from.

Carl Wegner. Photo: Morgan Piek

There are clear positives for the Free Staters in the reshuffled fixture. Firstly, the physical edge the Griffons are known for should provide a proper battle up front. Secondly, the Cheetahs avoid a lengthy bus trip to Cradock, allowing them to stay home and focus on preparation.

Cheetahs head coach Frans Steyn told OFM Sport that while the team had been looking forward to the trip to Cradock, he fully understands EP’s predicament and is equally intrigued by what the Northern Free Staters will bring.

“Look, I feel sorry for Alistair Coetzee with the injuries and everything that’s going on with their side,” said Steyn.

“I’m really disappointed for them – we would have gone to Cradock, and I think it would have been a great day for the people there.

“But having said that, it’s great to see the Griffons back in the competition. They missed out on the Currie Cup Premier Division last year, so this is a good opportunity for them.

“It’s going to be interesting. Jacques Juries is well known for his ability to attract and develop talent at the Griffons, and I’m looking forward to seeing what their team chemistry looks like this year.”

Cohen Jasper. Photo: Morgan Piek

Cheetahs forwards coach Tiaan Liebenberg echoed those sentiments, adding that the derby-like edge against the men from Welkom could prove invaluable in the long run.

“Ja, definitely – it would have been nice to go down to Cradock to see Alistair again, but apparently, they’ve got some challenges. We all do, so we understand that,” said the former Stormers and Springbok hooker.

“Having the Griffons on Wednesday brings a different dynamic. We all know they’re a very physical side, and it’s always got a derby feel when you play them.

“They tend to bring out the big guns, and they usually lift their game against us.

“It’s going to be a different challenge to what Eastern Province would have offered, but at least we’ll get a proper hit-out in terms of physicality and intensity.”

This will be the Cheetahs’ only outing before they kick off their SA Cup campaign against Hawies Fourie’s Boland in March, making it vital for the Free Staters to be tested to the maximum.

The Griffons may boast a youthful squad, but they showed plenty of fight in their recent warm-up against the Suzuki Griquas in Welkom. Despite going down 63-26, the pre-season score counts for little – it’s about sharpening systems, building cohesion, and laying down a marker.

Wednesday’s clash at Toyota Stadium kicks off at 12:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm