The Free State Cheetahs have lost three matches on the bounce in the Currie Cup, however, following their outstanding display against a Sharks side loaded with six Springboks, the side from Bloemfontein is in a good space.

Despite their 33-29 defeat on Saturday, the coach, Daan Human, was left a happy man, although, he and his team will never accept a defeat.

Human told OFM Sport that during the week his team drew a lot of inspiration from the movie 2000 box office movie, The Replacements, starring Gene Hackman and Keanu Reeves. Due to the Toyota Cheetahs involvement in the Guinness Pro14, Human is forced to use a “second string” side, much as his the case in the movie.

“It’s a pity that we couldn’t finish them (the Sharks) off at the end,” said the former Springbok prop.

“We had one or two chances, but it is what it is. I am really proud of the boys, they really stood up and came to the party. They were invited and I’m glad that they actually pitched up to the party.

“I am very happy with the way that we played. There are still a lot of things that we can work on. We are not happy with the loss, and we will never be.

“I saw the heart of 22 players, and that is something that I haven’t experienced in a very, very long time. I told the boys at half time that size doesn’t matter, money doesn’t matter, and the only thing that counts is heart.

“What I learnt is that if guys want to play together they can.

“They want to enjoy a drink together, they want to enjoy a braai together and a movie together, and that is what we did during the week.

“We all watched The Replacements together. Once a bunch of people want to do something together there is a chance, and that’s what makes a team.

“We are the replacements.”

The Free State Cheetahs face the Golden Lions on Saturday afternoon, and this match in Johannesburg kicks off at 16:20.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport