The Cheetahs ran in ten tries in Potchefstroom on Friday night (13/2) as they thumped the Leopards 64–7 at Olën Park, with a vastly different-looking team to the one that lost at home to the Boland Cavaliers a week earlier.

While the Pumas will be on a completely different level to the Leopards, a number of players relished the invaluable game time in Potchefstroom and would certainly have given head coach Frans Steyn plenty to think about.

George Lourens. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Pumas are the defending champions and have never lost to the Cheetahs in the competition. In 2024, the Lowvelders thrashed a completely second-string Cheetahs 50-0 in Bloemfontein, while in 2025 they beat the Free Staters 46-38 in Mbombela.

Flyhalf George Lourens was excellent in marshalling the backline against the Leopards and will be knocking hard on the door for the No.10 jersey. Meanwhile, former Scotland international flyhalf, Jaco van der Walt, has recovered from his hand injury and has already returned to training with the squad.

Inside centre, Jooste Nel, also impressed in the midfield with several powerful carries. Against the Cavaliers, however, Zander du Plessis was one of the few standout performers for the Cheetahs.

The soon-to-be first-time dad, Nel, told OFM Sport after the win against the Leopards that it was important for the team to get the monkey off their backs – and now they need to build on that momentum.

“We wanted to build momentum, stay in our system and keep scoring tries. 

“It’s easy to fall out of that structure, but I think the boys did really well to stick to it. George Lourens also managed the game brilliantly at flyhalf – when your general is on fire, it makes it a lot easier for the team to play good rugby.”

Munier Hartzenberg is improving in each game after his long-term injury layoff . Photo: Morgan Piek

The clash with the Pumas is arguably one of the Cheetahs’ most important games of the campaign. After the disappointing defeat to the Cavaliers, there is little room for error – even though there is still plenty of rugby left to be played in the competition.

Nel said healthy competition for jerseys will be vital when facing a side that has already beaten the SWD Eagles and the Eastern Province Elephants. “For a team like the Pumas, it’s all about squad depth and having the next man ready.” 

Upfront, Neels Volschenk, never disappoints and was a trojan against the Leopards. Photo: Morgan Piek

“If someone knocks on the door, he must be able to step in and do the job. Injuries and niggles are always a possibility, so as a squad we need to stay strong as a unit, and performances like this help build that depth.”

The powerful centre added having a full week to prepare is also crucial, and it’s important for the team to put the Potchefstroom win behind them and shift their full focus to Jimmy Stonehouse’s charges.

“It’s nice having a Friday game because it gives the players a bit of time to recover. We’ll get back to Bloemfontein, use the weekend to rest up, and then start preparing again for next week.”

Friday night’s hugely important clash at Toyota Stadium kicks off at 18:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg