The revamped tournament, which was previously staged after the Currie Cup, now gets underway much earlier and will be contested across two legs. The opening leg will take place in Bloemfontein, while the second leg will be hosted in Tbilisi, Georgia, after the Currie Cup, with the same six teams involved.

The Pumas, hosts the Toyota Cheetahs, and the Currie Cup champions, the Suzuki Griquas, will each face Black Lion of Georgia, Lusitanos of Portugal, and Romania A across three action-packed days of triple-header rugby in Bloemfontein.

Sampie Swiegers and his victorious Pumas. Photo: Morgan Piek

On Friday, the Lowvelders will take on Black Lion, less than two weeks after their dramatic 38-35 extra-time victory over the Griquas in Kimberley, which saw them become the first team to defend the SA Cup title successfully.

Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has long called for his side to be tested against international opposition, and he told OFM Sport the team is thrilled to have received an invitation and is excited about the challenge that lies ahead.

“First of all, a great shout-out to the Cheetahs for hosting this competition and including us,” said Stonehouse.

“It’s a massive opportunity for us because we’ve also been fighting to get international competition, and now suddenly we do have that exposure.

“Playing Black Lion, Romania and Portugal, with everyone preparing for the World Cup, is a massive opportunity for my players to showcase themselves and see where we are.”

Stonehouse said the Toyota Challenge presents the ideal platform to broaden the squad’s experience and build valuable depth ahead of the Currie Cup.

“We will also play all our players in this competition to see what depth we have for the coming Currie Cup.” 

Ntsika Fisanti. Photo: Morgan Piek

“As a smaller union, we don’t have the same depth as some of the bigger unions, so this tournament is a great opportunity to see what our squad looks like and to give opportunities to players who never played in the SA Cup, or seldom played in the SA Cup.”

The veteran coach believes the quick turnaround after the SA Cup is a positive, allowing his team to shift their focus immediately to the challenges ahead rather than dwelling on past achievements.

“Winning the SA Cup back-to-back is over and done with - it's finished. You're only as good as your last game,” said Stonehouse.

Danrich Visagie - Morgan Piek

“This Toyota Challenge is a great opportunity to prepare for the Currie Cup because we don't have any friendly games coming up.

“I don't think you can have a better preparation competition before going into a Currie Cup, especially playing against international opposition like this.”

Black Lion, Lusitanos and Romania A will all arrive in Bloemfontein on Tuesday ahead of the Toyota Challenge.

The Pumas will travel to Bloemfontein on Thursday and will feature in the tournament opener against Black Lion at Toyota Stadium on Friday at 13:30, eager to test themselves on the international stage and continue building momentum for the season ahead.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport