The clash in the Lowveld is the final league match of the Currie Cup season for both sides before the semi-finals, and there is plenty at stake. The Cheetahs are chasing top spot on the log, which comes with two major advantages. 

The first is home-ground advantage should they win their semi-final next week. Secondly, they will have the right to choose the timeslot for their semi-final, which could also prove significant. It is understood that both semi-finals will be played on Sunday, 6 September, although this is yet to be confirmed by SA Rugby.

Neels Volschenk. Photo: Morgan Piek

For the Cheetahs to finish top of the log, they need to get the better of a desperate Pumas outfit, while on Sunday they will also be hoping the Boland Cavaliers can upset the Suzuki Griquas in Wellington.

The Cheetahs head into the clash with renewed confidence following their 33–24 victory over the Cavaliers in Bloemfontein on Sunday. It was their first win in four games against Hawies Fourie’s charges, although there are still a few areas they will want to tighten up this week.

The Pumas are currently third on the log after their 38–14 defeat to the Griquas last week, but they will drop to fourth by the end of Friday night if the Stormers XV beat the Lions, with the winner moving ahead of them into third.

That should add plenty of fuel to the Pumas’ fire as they look to upset the Cheetahs, and they will also draw confidence from their 42–36 victory over Free State in Nelspruit in the SA Cup semi-final back in May.

There is little doubt the Pumas will look to play to their strengths, with establishing forward dominance early likely to be high on their agenda.

Cheetahs captain Neels Volschenk said his side could take plenty of confidence from their performance up front against Boland and were ready for another physical challenge.

“It’s great to be part of a pack that is going forward,” said Volschenk.

Victor Sekekete reaching for a high-ball. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I mean, if your pack is going forward, your chances of winning the game – I’d almost say – are greater than your chances of losing. I feel you’re going to win the game eight or nine times out of 10 if that’s the case.

“I mean, we don’t have to work too hard to see that things went well over the weekend; it’s definitely a good sign.”

Volschenk added the Cheetahs were treating Saturday’s encounter like a quarter-final, with the aim of going all guns blazing as they look to build momentum towards the semi-finals – and hopefully a home final.

“Obviously, it’s the last one before the semi-finals, but we’re treating this game against the Pumas as a playoff game,” Volschenk added.

“From my side, I’d like to thank all our loyal supporters. It’s always nice to play in front of a crowd. You don’t want to play in an empty stadium; it’s never nice. So, it’s always fun when you can get your supporters out and make them proud with a good performance.”

Saturday’s clash between the Pumas and Cheetahs at Mbombela Stadium kicks off at 14:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm