After two consecutive defeats, the Toyota Free State Cheetahs are with their backs to the wall when they host high-flying DHL Western Province in Bloemfontein on Saturday afternoon.
Last year DHL WP won the corresponding fixture at the Free State Stadium, but this time around they are up against a Cheetahs side that feature three returning Springboks – two of them in the front row – and will be up for the challenge.
DHL WP captain and hooker, Tiaan Liebenberg, whose brother Hercu has been included on the Cheetahs bench, said: “The return of their Boks will definitely boost the Cheetahs. Those guys are all quality players and apart from Ashley Johnson they have not played a lot, so they would like to show they deserve spot in the team.
“The Cheetahs will be firing on Saturday. They have a very good side and always play with heart and soul in Bloemfontein. They are a dangerous side from broken play and can hold onto the ball for 15, 16 phases. We’re going to have to protect our possession.”
Liebenberg said it’s great to be leading an exuberant team like DHL WP: “We have a lot of good young players who are trying to make their mark in Absa Currie Cup and we did very well against the Blue Bulls last week. That all comes down to hard work, but we are blessed with a good blend of youth and experience.”
Last year in Absa Currie Cup:
- 10 July: DHL WP won 25-11 in Bloemfontein
- 27 August: Toyota FS Cheetahs won 29-24 in Cape Town
Your Weekend’s Rugby:
- 5 August: Valke vs EP Kings, kick-off at 15:00 at Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park. Referee – Andrew Lees (Australia)
- 5 August: Platinum Leopards vs Ford Pumas, kick-off at 19:00 at Profert Olën Park, Potchefstroom. Referee – Lourens vd Merwe
- 5 August: GWK Griquas vs The Sharks, kick-off at 19:10 at GWK Park, Kimberley. Referee – Pro Legoete
- 6 August: Tasol Solar Griffons vs SWD Eagles, kick-off at 15:00 at North West Stadium, Welkom. Referee – Jason Jaftha
- 6 August: Toyota Free State Cheetahs vs DHL Western Province, kick-off at 15:00 at Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein. Referee – Sindile Mayende
- 6 August: Vodacom Blue Bulls vs MTN Golden Lions, kick-off: 17:05 at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria. Referee – Jaco Peyper
