BLOEMFONTEIN: The Cheetahs’ head coach, Frans Steyn, has set his charges the target of continuing their exploits in the remaining three matches of the premier division’s Carling Currie Cup. The double Rugby World Cup winner wants quality performance, as he eyes the coveted South African rugby glory.
Two important encounters on the Cheetahs’ home turf in Bloemfontein are against the Lions this Saturday, 23 August, and the Griquas the following Friday, 29 August. The third crucial outing is an away game against the Bulls on Saturday, 6 September, at the Loftus Stadium in Pretoria. This away fixture will complete the rounds of the championship and lead to the semifinals.
Steyn’s lads benefited handsomely by operating on their hunting ground of the Toyota Stadium, with a 31 – 24 victory against the Western Province last Saturday. This extended the team’s winning streak to three matches, bolstering their ambition of lifting this year’s Carling Currie Cup premier division.
The victory propelled Steyn’s warriors to the helm of the championship, despite being tied on 16 points with the Kavaliers in second place.
The Cheetahs’ mentor still wants more quality, although he expressed some happiness with the current form and results. Steyn has stressed the significance of his charges being lethal in their play as possible given the tournament is in its crucial stage.
“We are heading into a block where it is really important for us to play well and take the points we can.
“The stakes are high in every match we play in the competition; we must build on the momentum and consolidate our position on the log leading to the last round of the tournament,” said Steyn.
He has further emphasised the importance of his players performing to their full potential whilst minimising the mistakes that could result in a loss of momentum. Steyn said the speedy recovery of some of his players from injuries suffered in previous matches would strengthen the team.
“I am very excited about some guys coming back to the fold, but with the current quality performances from some of the other guys, it will be a headache – it will not be an easy pick for me.”
The Cheetahs still have their tails up in air after their third win over their most recent coastal opponents. Their first win on home territory was against the Pumas (42 – 25), consolidated by their 7 – 5 victory over the Sharks in Durban.
The Steyn-led charges have recovered well from their 35 – 37 shock loss to the Kavaliers in the opening match of the championship.
This Saturday’s tough upcoming fixture against the third-placed Lions is set to kick off in the Toyota Stadium at 14:00.
Tickets for the clash are sold at R30 at the stadium ticket office and via ticketpro.co.za.
