The Toyota Cheetahs arrived in Amsterdam on Wednesday, and they look forward to launching their EPCR Challenge Cup campaign on a positive note when they face Perpignan for the first time. The match at NRCA Stadium kicks off at 15:00 (SA time) on Sunday and will be live on SuperSport. Tickets for the game are available online at https://rugby.nl/ticketshop
The Toyota Cheetahs advanced to the semi-final of the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division in September. They won two of their four matches in the 2023.24 European competition before losing to ASM Clermont Auvergne in the Round of 16 in April this year.
Based on the team's results this season, it could be a close encounter as USAP has won four of their 11 outings in the Top 14, while the Toyota Cheetahs won five of their 10 pool matches in the Carling Currie Cup but will enter the match with confidence after earning a top-four finish for a semi-final berth.
One of the EPCR's conditions for the Toyota Cheetahs' participation as an invitee in the 2024/25 EPCR Challenge Cup was that the team be based in Europe. The Toyota Cheetahs are grateful to Rugby Netherlands for their invaluable support in organizing the EPCR Challenge Cup match at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam and for providing a welcoming home in Europe.
“We are grateful to be part of a quality competition like the EPCR Challenge Cup. It is an honour to play against some of the best clubs in Europe, and we are committed to doing our best in the competition.” Said Toyota Cheetahs Director of Rugby, Frans Steyn.
The Toyota Cheetahs want to reaffirm their commitment to making this EPCR Challenge Cup season competitive and successful. The Toyota Cheetahs are proud to be part of this prestigious competition and look forward to embracing the games ahead.
Toyota Cheetahs
15. Michael Annies
14. Munier Hartzenberg
13. Carel-Jan Coetzee
12. Ali Mgijima
11. Prince Nkabinde
10. Ethan Wentzel
9. Ruben de Haas
8. Jeandré Rudolph
7. Friedle Olivier
6. Gideon van der Merwe
5. Victor Sekekete (C )
4. Carl Wegner
3. Aranos Coetzee
2. Louis van der Westhuizen
1. Schalk Ferreira
Replacements:
16. Vernon Paulo
17. Hencus van Wyk
18. Robert Hunt
19. Pierre-Raymond Uys
20. Oupa Mohoje
21. Daniel Maartens
22. Rewan Kruger
23. George Lourens