Frans Steyn has laid it on the line for the Cheetahs: clinch a win against the Griquas in the upcoming SA Cup showdown, or watch their Currie Cup aspirations disintegrate. Currently in third place, the Cheetahs face the grim prospect of missing out on South Africa's premier provincial rugby competition unless they break into the top four. Despite various outcomes that could technically see them through, Steyn acknowledges that their path forward hinges on a singular, non-negotiable condition.
“The ball is in our hands. We must win and that’s it,” Steyn stated firmly during a press interaction. Facing them is a Griquas team that has dominated the season, boasting a flawless record through eight matches and holding an intimidating streak against the Cheetahs, including a recent draw among consecutive victories.
"We can’t make mistakes at all, because they have a bunch of lethal players off mistakes. That’s where they’ve really hurt us the last few years. So we have to be at our best."
The Cheetahs' road to this do-or-die moment was no cakewalk, marked by a grueling series of away games. Now, back on their home turf at the Free State Stadium—affectionately known as "the graveyard"—Steyn is rallying his troops for what promises to be a fierce battle.
“Fortunately the match is at the graveyard. It’s nice and green now, but come Friday, we’re going to have to turn it into a graveyard,” he warned, emphasizing the need for a formidable home ground advantage.
While the Griquas have already secured a semi-final spot, Steyn dismissed any suggestions that their opponents might ease off the throttle. With Griquas coach Pieter Bergh at the helm, expectations are that they will come out swinging.
“Listen, I know Pieter Bergh. To think for one moment they are going to show up … And we want it more than them. That’s not going to happen.”
This Friday's encounter at 6pm between the Cheetahs and the Griquas promises to be a pivotal moment in the SA Cup, potentially reshaping the playoff landscape. Other fixtures include Pumas vs Griffons and SWD Eagles vs Leopards on Saturday, followed by Boland Cavaliers vs Eastern Province and Border Bulldogs vs Valke.
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Frans Steyn has laid it on the line for the Cheetahs: clinch a win against the Griquas in the upcoming SA Cup showdown, or watch their Currie Cup aspirations disintegrate. Currently in third place, the Cheetahs face the grim prospect of missing out on South Africa's premier provincial rugby competition unless they break into the top four. Despite various outcomes that could technically see them through, Steyn acknowledges that their path forward hinges on a singular, non-negotiable condition.
“The ball is in our hands. We must win and that’s it,” Steyn stated firmly during a press interaction. Facing them is a Griquas team that has dominated the season, boasting a flawless record through eight matches and holding an intimidating streak against the Cheetahs, including a recent draw among consecutive victories.
"We can’t make mistakes at all, because they have a bunch of lethal players off mistakes. That’s where they’ve really hurt us the last few years. So we have to be at our best."
The Cheetahs' road to this do-or-die moment was no cakewalk, marked by a grueling series of away games. Now, back on their home turf at the Free State Stadium—affectionately known as "the graveyard"—Steyn is rallying his troops for what promises to be a fierce battle.
“Fortunately the match is at the graveyard. It’s nice and green now, but come Friday, we’re going to have to turn it into a graveyard,” he warned, emphasizing the need for a formidable home ground advantage.
While the Griquas have already secured a semi-final spot, Steyn dismissed any suggestions that their opponents might ease off the throttle. With Griquas coach Pieter Bergh at the helm, expectations are that they will come out swinging.
“Listen, I know Pieter Bergh. To think for one moment they are going to show up … And we want it more than them. That’s not going to happen.”
This Friday's encounter at 6pm between the Cheetahs and the Griquas promises to be a pivotal moment in the SA Cup, potentially reshaping the playoff landscape. Other fixtures include Pumas vs Griffons and SWD Eagles vs Leopards on Saturday, followed by Boland Cavaliers vs Eastern Province and Border Bulldogs vs Valke.