The team is ready for their campaign and enjoyed a bit of off time yesterday during their annual golf day.

The preparation is largely done after a contact session on Tuesday evening against the Griffons.

The team’s depth that they have been working on for the past two years will be thoroughly put to the test this year in a campaign which is of vital importance for the team with a possibility of a Super Rugby team being cut next year.

The coach Franco Smith told OFM Sport that they are ready for the competition and will be using the last week to fine tune before kick-off come next week Saturday.

“I think we are, we’re going to use the last few days to concentrate on the detail and put out the best possible product for where we are.

“We’re definitely much better than we were this time last year.

“I’m excited to see the guys going out there. There is a lot of rain expected for next week so we’re going to have to take that into consideration but looking forward to it.

The mentor added that a couple of the younger players have stepped up to the plate and he is expecting that the team selection will be giving him sleepless nights over the next week.

“Everybody has worked hard and are looking good and the continuity is going to be important.

“It has been a little bit disruptive in injuries in vital positions, but the onus will be on the guys what will be filling the positions.

“I think this week I’m going to have sleepless nights. There are young guys in the team that have stepped up to the plate and I’m going to be thinking carefully about my selections.

The Cheetahs kick off their campaign with a home game next week Saturday against the Lions at the Toyota Stadium.

The match in Bloemfontein kicks off at 15:05.

Possible Toyota Cheetahs starting XV – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Raymond Rhule, 13 Nico Lee, 12 Clinton Swart, 11 Sergeal Petersen, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Tier Schoeman, 7 Uzair Cassiem, 6 Oupa Mohoje (captain), 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Armand Koster, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld, 1 Ox Nche.

Possible Toyota Cheetahs starting XV – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Raymond Rhule, 13 Nico Lee, 12 Clinton Swart, 11 Sergeal Petersen, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Tier Schoeman, 7 Oupa Mohoje (captain), 6 Uzair Cassiem, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Armand Koster, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld, 1 Ox Nche.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport