The Cheetahs and the Kings both are enjoying a break from the competition due to the teams from the Northern Hemisphere competing in European competitions.

The Kings have already confirmed that they will be playing in a warm-up match against the Stormers in Knysna head of the two derbies.

The Cheetahs in their turn are hard at work following their shock 41-13 defeat to Zebre in Parma at the beginning of the year.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that things are going well during training and that they want to set the record straight following their embarrassing defeat in Italy.

“We didn’t start off 2020 well. We were really positive about the game against Zebre, but we didn’t perform well at all. I am pretty embarrassed about our performance in that game.

“Since then we’ve had a good week and a half of preparation.

“Especially today (Tuesday) I felt that everything has started coming together again and the guys are starting to build a bit of confidence again.

“The intensity and execution during training has been a lot better than before the game against Zebre.”

On the injury front things are looking positive for the Cheetahs, and while they are still numerous niggles in the team, Fourie, added there may some good news for the return-leg of the derby in the City of Roses.

“Looking forward, a guy like Dries Swanepoel has recovered from his Achilles tendon injury, and he might be able to play for 30 to 40 minutes against Maties on the 25th when the other guys are playing against the Kings. It will be to get some match fitness and sharpness back.

“The same for the prop, Charles Marais. His bicep was injured, but he has recovered now so we will look to phase him back in that game.

 “Then, Jasper Wiese has only game left of his suspension, so he will be available for the second game against the Kings.”

The Springbok flanker, Oupa Mohoje, will be seeing a specialist on Wednesday for the knee injury he sustained against Munster in September of 2018. The injury has flared up again, delaying his return to the pitch. Furthermore, the lock Justin Basson is two months away from making a return from the knee injury which has ruled him out since May of 2018.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport