It will be the Cheetahs’ first home semi-final since 2023, when they produced a stunning 39-10 victory over a star-studded Bulls side.

However, they will have little room for complacency against a Pumas team brimming with confidence after their emphatic 52-26 victory over the Free State in Nelspruit last weekend.

Neels Volschenk - Morgan Piek

The Pumas had everything to play for in that encounter, knowing only a victory would keep their knockout-stage hopes alive. The Cheetahs, meanwhile, had already secured home advantage for the semi-final.

Home advantage should provide plenty of motivation for the Cheetahs, while the disappointment of last weekend's heavy defeat gives them another reason to raise their game.

Head coach Frans Steyn says the performance in Mbombela fell well short of the team's standards, but believes Sunday's semi-final presents the perfect opportunity to put things right.

“No, we wanted to go and win. I think we disappointed ourselves over the past weekend,” said Steyn.

“There were some harsh words that were said over Monday and Tuesday. Look, that's not our standard. We never go into a game to save ourselves, and, yeah, we weren't there on that day.”

Steyn used a colourful comparison to describe how the Cheetahs were physically dominated by the Pumas.

“My wife laughed, but I said they just ran over us – old Blue Bulls rugby – the one guy comes around the corner and another big guy, and you have to man up and defend your line.”

The Cheetahs coach hopes those lessons will translate into a much-improved performance when the stakes are significantly higher on Sunday.

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“So hopefully we fix this issue that we had over the couple of days this week, and hopefully we can put out a proper performance that we can be proud of on the weekend.”

Steyn also highlighted the youthful nature of his squad and believes the prospect of reaching the Currie Cup final provides invaluable experience for the next generation of Free State players.

“Yeah, I think it's a great opportunity for us, especially we've got a young squad still,” said Steyn.

Players such as Arno van der Merwe have come through the Currie Cup system, and Steyn believes a high-pressure semi-final is precisely the type of occasion that can accelerate their development.

“I think, look at Arno van der Merwe and them coming through the Currie Cup, and so it's a good opportunity for us. I mean, I'm still happy with how things went.”

The Cheetahs have produced some impressive rugby during the campaign, and Steyn is keen not to let one or two disappointing results overshadow their overall progress.

“I think at some stages in the campaign we played extraordinary rugby – old Free State winning, running rugby. So, you can't just look at the Pumas and the Bulls game that we missed something.”

The Cheetahs will also have some difficult selection decisions to make before the match-day 23 is confirmed.

The Cheetahs pack will have a busy day at the office against the Pumas - Morgan Piek

With players returning from injury and the intensity of a semi-final to consider, Steyn says there is more to selection than simply picking the strongest players available on paper.

“Yeah, it's difficult because, like you saw Pierre Uys as well. We all know what Pierre can do, but there is a difference playing against the Pumas, playing against us in a semi-final.”

The magnitude of the occasion will be an important consideration, particularly when deciding whether returning players are ready to step straight into the heat of a knockout match.

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“I think the intensity and the magnitude of the game has an impact. So, taking chances now with guys coming back from injuries is going to be difficult, but we'll have to wait and see.”

The Cheetahs will be hoping the familiar surroundings of the Toyota Stadium, combined with the backing of their home supporters, can inspire a response worthy of a team chasing a place in the Currie Cup final.

Kick-off is at 15:30 on Sunday in Bloemfontein.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport