The Cheetahs still have their destiny in their own hands, but nothing less than a win over the defending Currie Cup champions will do if they want to secure their place in the knockouts. Currently third on the SA Cup log, they need at least four log points against a side they haven’t beaten in years.

Only the top four teams on the SA Cup log by the end of this week will qualify for the Currie Cup, and three teams will battle it out for two remaining spots in the semi-finals. The Suzuki Griquas will finish at the top, while the defending champions, the Pumas, are also safe after their hard-fought 38-31 win against the Boland Cavaliers on Sunday.

George Whitehead - the Griquas secured the top spot on the log with their 62-12 win against the SWD Eagles - Morgan Piek

While they remain well-placed heading into the final round-robin fixture, the challenge couldn’t be tougher for the Cheetahs. The fourth-placed Cavaliers host Eastern Province Elephants, while the SWD Eagles take on the Leopards in George. On current form, both Boland and SWD are favourites to pick up wins, which only adds to the pressure on the Free Staters.

A bonus-point victory for Boland and SWD would see both teams move to 32 points. The Cheetahs, currently on 30, would climb to 34 with a win and safely book their spot. Even two points could prove enough, but head coach Frans Steyn suggested last week that if they finish level on points with Boland, the tie-breakers could come into play after earlier head-to-head results. Points difference would likely be the final decider.

In that department, the Cheetahs hold a significant advantage with a healthy +216, compared to Boland’s +156 and SWD’s +11. Still, banking on bonus points alone - from scoring four tries and losing within seven - is a gamble they simply cannot afford.

Encouragingly, the Cheetahs kept themselves firmly in contention with a dominant 87–5 win over the Border Bulldogs at Sisa Dukashe Stadium over the weekend - a result that injected some much-needed confidence back into the squad.

Everything is now on the line, and loose forward Neels Volschenk told OFM Sport that the emphatic win was the ideal response after their disappointing loss to the Valke.

“I definitely think this was the type of performance we needed ahead of our game against Griquas on Friday evening,” said Volschenk.

“I still feel we could have added between 14 and 21 more points if we had been more clinical in the second half, and we’re obviously disappointed with the five points we conceded from that try.

“Overall, though, it was a pleasing performance, especially after the disappointing loss to the Valke in Kempton Park last week.”

Volschenk emphasised that this derby is about more than just the result - it’s about pride, purpose, and the future of rugby in the Free State.

Zane Bester - in the last derby played in Bloemfontein, the Griquas beat the Cheetahs 40-10 in the Currie Cup - Morgan Piek

“Looking ahead to Griquas, we know they’re a quality side and we understand what’s at stake - we have everything to play for,” he added.

“We want to make ourselves, our supporters, everyone at the union and all those involved proud.

“That’s the ultimate goal, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge on Friday evening against a strong Griquas side.”

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

Morgan Piek OFM Sport