The Cheetahs will start as firm favourites to claim their first win of the competition after going down 34–24 to the Boland Cavaliers in Bloemfontein last week.

The Leopards, meanwhile, will be eager to prove they are far better than what their heavy 101–7 defeat to the Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday might suggest. Even so, they are not widely expected to pose too big a threat to the Free Staters.

Daniel Maartens (left) and Tielman Nieuwoudt (right). Photo: Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs could also be without lock Carl Wegner as well as Daniel Maartens, with both players currently following concussion protocols. 

Their absence could open the door for one or two new faces, although the Cheetahs management may be reluctant to hand out too many debuts this week, especially compared to what might have been possible against a side such as the Pumas.

Delicate balance

There is always a delicate balance between giving players an opportunity and not weakening the side for a fixture that could easily become a potential banana peel. Potchefstroom has long been regarded as a difficult place to visit, where victories are earned the hard way rather than handed out.

For the Cheetahs, the first priority will be delivering a far better performance than they produced against the Cavaliers. Liebenberg believes it is crucial they start much stronger this time around.

“We discussed it with the team, and we knew the onslaught that would come in the first 20 minutes. We are under no illusion that we didn’t handle that well. It hurts – it hurts that we didn’t deal with it better and that we disappointed our fans with the way the game ended.

“But after half-time we made a few tactical adjustments and came out with a very good second half. I don’t think we necessarily lost the game – we just ran out of time.”

Victor Sekekete is back this week to captain the Cheetahs. Photo: Morgan Piek

Liebenberg said the squad has had honest conversations about the direction they want to take the team this season.

“To put things into perspective, when we came back from the tour, we had a good discussion about where we want to take this team. In the Free State, we want to be known as the hardest-working team, on and off the field.

“We’ve started putting in the hard work behind the scenes, but it takes time for that to translate onto the field.”

Tiaan Liebenberg. Photo: Morgan Piek

The former Stormers and Springbok hooker, who has plenty of experience playing in Potchefstroom, insists the Cheetahs are not expecting a walk in the park on Friday evening. He believes it is vital that they focus on what they can control and avoid underestimating their opponents.

“This weekend will be another tough challenge. I’ve played at Olën Park, and it’s never an easy place to go. They’ll want to redeem themselves after their last result and, as Ian McGeechan once said, the most dangerous Springbok is a wounded one – so the most dangerous South African is a wounded one.”

Game right

“So we’re not going to Potchefstroom under any illusions. Our main focus this week is on ourselves – fixing what we need to fix. If we get our own game right, we’ll give ourselves the best chance, because for us it’s not so much about who we play, but how we play.”

Friday’s battle of the big cats between the Leopards and Cheetahs at Olën Park kicks off at 18:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg