On Friday night, the match between the Cheetahs and the Pumas at Toyota Stadium was abandoned after just 35 minutes due to lightning in the vicinity of the ground. As a result, both teams were awarded two log points. At the time the game was called off, the Pumas were leading 10–7.

More rain is forecast for Saturday, and with it the threat of lightning - which remains a bigger concern than the rain itself. In an effort to beat both the weather and their opponents, the two teams have agreed to move the kick-off to earlier in the day.

Saturday’s crucial encounter will be played at Shimla Park on the campus of the University of the Free State, as Toyota Stadium is hosting two international football fixtures this week. Lesotho will face Seychelles in two Africa Cup of Nations preliminary-round matches on Thursday and Sunday - fixtures that are important for maintaining the stadium’s FIFA status.

The last time the Cheetahs played at Shimla Park was during the 2024 SA Cup when they faced the Griquas. On that occasion, the Peacock Blues claimed a convincing 39–17 victory - a match that also marked the final professional appearance of former Springbok scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar.

Pienaar, who is now an assistant coach at the Cheetahs, told OFM Sport that returning to Shimla Park will carry a few emotions for him and several players in the squad.

The captains, Sampie Swiegers (left) and Chucky van der Westhuizen (right) ordered to leave the field due to lightning. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s not the best memories for me there, but it’s obviously a special place to finish my career because I spent a few years playing for the Shimlas,” said Pienaar.

“There are also a few former Shimlas players in our squad, so it’s always nice to go back. It’s a special place for rugby in Bloemfontein, and hopefully we’ll see a good crowd for the Saturday lunchtime kick-off.

“Hopefully we can give them something to smile about.”

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“It was very frustrating - just as we started getting on the front foot, the referee called it, and then when we went again, it was called off once more. That made it difficult to find our rhythm,” Van der Westhuizen told OFM Sport.

“But as Frans (Steyn) also mentioned during the week, when we came out of the changeroom the second time we really put in a strong defensive performance, and I think that gave us some confidence.

Frans Steyn. Photo: Morgan Piek

“If we had to play another 40 minutes, I think we would’ve had the upper hand.

“So yes, it’s frustrating, but it’s not something we can control.”

The Cheetahs are likely to opt for continuity in their selection this week as they look to give players valuable game time. However, a few of the benchwarmers from the clash against the Pumas - including Scottish international flyhalf Jaco van der Walt - could be handed starting roles.

Saturday’s SA Cup clash between the Cheetahs and Eastern Province at Shimla Park will now kick off at 13:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek