The fifth annual Toyota Challenge kicks off this Friday, 17 October at 18:00 (SA Time) at the Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein, when the Toyota Cheetahs face Black Lions.
The Black Lion from Georgia is the other invitee in the ECPR Challenge Cup, which takes place in December 2025 and January 2026. This encounter will provide good preparation for both teams, as the Competition kicks off on the weekend of 6 December in Europe.
The first Toyota Challenge was hosted in 2021, providing the Toyota Cheetahs with the opportunity to play against opponents they would regularly face in regular competitions. In 2021, they faced Diables from Barcelona, the Sharks and Baia Mare from Romania. In 2022, they played against Emerging Ireland, the USA National A side and the Griquas. In 2023, the Western Force travelled to Bloemfontein for two games, while the Toyota Cheetahs visited Perth, Australia, for two more tough games. Through the Toyota Challenge, the Toyota Cheetahs formed and fostered strong relationships with clubs worldwide. Last year, the Toyota Cheetahs faced Western Force, the Griffons, and Emerging Ireland for a second year.
Tickets are only R50 for the main stand, R30 for the open stand and R20 for students and kids. Tickets are available online at Ticketpro or can be purchased from the ticket office in Toyota Stadium.
If you drive a Toyota vehicle, you can park for free in the Toyota parking area at Toyota Stadium. Remember to have your matchday ticket ready to show at the gate. Entrance to the Toyota parking area is only at Gate 1 in Att Horak Avenue. Space is limited, so come early.
Enjoy the day with your family and friends at Toyota Stadium and be part of all the action. Join us after work on Friday – it's going to be a great day with exciting rugby!
Toyota Cheetahs
- Tielman Niewoudt
- Louis van der Westhuizen
- Aranos Coetzee
- Arno van der Merwe
- Victor Sekekete (C )
- Gideon van der Merwe
- Pierre Raymond Uys
- Neels Volschenk
- Jandre Nel
- Clayton Blommetjies
- Cohen Jasper
- Franco Smith
- Marco Janse van Vuren
- Prince Nkabinde
- Michael Annies
Replacements:
- Marko Janse van Rensburg
- Malcom Lamont
- Frankie Dos Reis
- Mihlali Mosi
- Sisonke Vumazonke
- Daniel Maartens
- Rewan Kruger
- Zander du Plessis
Match Officials
Referee: Hanru van Rooyen
Assistant Referees: Tiaan Engelbrecht, Ashton Ockhuys
TMO: Stephan Geldenhuys
Unavailable due to injury
Carl Wegner (hamstring), George Lourens (hand/forearm), Dux Manyama (hamstring), Pieter Janse van Vuren (hamstring), Tiaan Swanepoel (groin), Munier Hartzenberg (hamstring), Ethan Wentzel (ankle), Carel-Jan Coetzee (ankle), Vernon Paulo (ankle) and Litha Nkula (hand).