Saturday’s Carling Currie Cup semi-final at Emirates Airline Park promises to be epic. The Toyota Cheetahs meet the Fidelity ADT Lions at 14:30 (SA Time) in the first of the two semi-finals.
“I believe that with the current group of guys, if they decide they want to win and put their bodies on the line, there will always be a positive outcome. Even if we lose, people would still be proud of us. This past weekend, the team decided to give it their all, and I take my hat off to all the players.” Said Frans Steyn, Director of Rugby
“What’s great about the performance is that it didn’t give anyone room to complain, like saying refereeing decisions didn’t work out. It was not a perfect performance but a massive step in the right direction.”
“Looking at the stats, a lot of players performed well. Many players stepped up and showed they wanted to win this game, not just for themselves but for the team, especially for those not playing. Now it’s about preparing for this weekend and overcoming the next hurdle.” Said Oupa Mohoje.
“There’s a good history between the two teams, so everyone looks forward to the game. We know how important it is and certainly don’t take it for granted. We understand what it means for the people of the Free State.”
Frans continued, “I’ve said before that what’s more important to me right now is how we play on the pitch rather than just winning or losing. They are the favourites with a big team and are used to big moments. Our plan is to give our best on the day. I’m enjoying the tension and am confident that the guys here are giving their all every day. It will be tough, but we’re going in with the mindset of doing our best rather than feeling pressured to win. We’re prepared to face a tough challenge from the Lions and must deliver.”
Gideon van der Merwe and Cohen Jasper will run onto the field in their 50th game for the Toyota Cheetahs.
Ali Mgijima is out due to an injury. Munier Hartzenberg moves from wing to outside centre, and Cohen Jasper wears the number 14 jersey. Friedle Olivier is back on the bench.
Toyota Cheetahs: 15. Michael Annies, 14. Cohen Jasper, 13. Munier Hartzenberg, 12. Evardi Boshoff, 11. Daniel Kasende, 10. Ethan Wentzel, 9. Jandre Nel, 8. Jeandrè Rudolph, 7. Oupa Mohoje, 6. Gideon van der Merwe, 5. Victor Sekekete (c), 4. Carl Wegner, 3. Robert Hunt, 2. Corne Fourie, 1. Schalk Ferreira. Replacements: 16. Vernon Paulo, 17. Hencus van Wyk, 18. Laurence Victor, 19. Friedle Olivier, 20. Aidon Davis, 21. Marco Jansen van Vuren, 22. George Lourens, 23. Litha Nkula.
Players not available: Reagan Oranje (knee), James Verity-Amm (knee), Louis van der Westhuizen (knee), Daniel Maartens (hand), Marko Janse van Rensburg (ankle), Neels Volschenk (ankle), Banie Britz (arm), Cameron Dawson (calf), Siba Xamlashe (hand), Reinhardt Fortuin (back) and Ali Mgijima (cheek), Ruben de Haas (USA National Team).