After weeks of intense pressure and uncertainty, the Cheetahs head into the clash with a renewed sense of belief after scraping into the Currie Cup by the skin of their teeth. That dramatic turnaround has seemingly lifted a massive weight off the shoulders of the Bloemfontein outfit.

The Cheetahs have spent much of the season fighting for survival, but after securing their rightful place in the Currie Cup, the side now has an opportunity to express themselves, play with confidence, and, perhaps most importantly, enjoy what they love doing.

While the prospect of winning a first title since 2023 is a major incentive, it is arguably the Pumas carrying the heavier burden heading into the knockout clash. The defending champions are chasing a second successive SA Cup crown and could still earn the right to host another final if results go their way.

By beating the Suzuki Griquas in Bloemfontein last week, the Cheetahs not only secured the future of the franchise in the Currie Cup, but also proved to themselves that they can compete with – and beat – the very best on their day.

The victory was no small feat either. The Griquas are the reigning Currie Cup champions, and the defeat in Bloemfontein was only their third-ever loss in the SA Cup competition.

Neels Volschenk in a physical battle with the Pumas. Photo: Morgan Piek

However, the challenge awaiting the Cheetahs at the Mbombela Stadium will be immense. Winning in Nelspruit is never easy, and Steyn knows his side will need to front up physically and mentally if they hope to reach the final.

Steyn told OFM Sport the key for his players is to embrace the occasion and trust themselves. He also believes the ability to play with freedom has been central to the recent success enjoyed by both Griquas and the Pumas.

“On the weekend, it worked for us with all the outside pressure and stuff, it worked for us,” said Steyn.

Cohen Jasper. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s easy to say, ‘just go and enjoy the game’, but to get to that spot where the guys have belief to do that … hopefully the past weekend gave them that belief, and they can go and enjoy playing and really put out excellent performances.”

Steyn added teams like Griquas and the Pumas have developed a ruthless edge because they genuinely enjoy attacking rugby and piling pressure on opponents.

“I think that’s where Griquas are at the moment – they enjoy putting 50 on teams, and you need to watch out.

Carel-Jan Coetzee. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Even Jimmy Stonehouse, you need to watch out for the Pumas as well, they like doing it. Hopefully, we get to that stage.”

The two-time Rugby World Cup winner also acknowledged the physical challenge that awaits his side, especially after the Pumas dominated the collisions during the abandoned SA Cup clash between the teams earlier in the season in Bloemfontein.

Steyn stressed that matching the Pumas physically – while mentally reaching the same emotional intensity as last week – will be crucial.

The set-piece battle will also be fiercely contested. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We need to see if we can match that level of physicality this week with what we did last week as well.

“I think that’s the challenge for us, to get into that same mindset and getting up for the game again.”

Friday night’s eagerly anticipated SA Cup semi-final at the Mbombela Stadium kicks off at 18:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm