The Cheetahs lost even more players through injury during their disappointing 40-13 defeat to the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on the weekend.

The good news for the Cheetahs is that they will be welcoming the tighthead prop, Beertjie van Vuuren, back on a short-term deal. Van Vuuren played in the 2016 final when the Cheetahs won the Currie Cup.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, says the team's character will be tested this week.

“We've got a lot of injuries as well and the team is a bit depleted. We will have to show character, work hard and get back on track as soon as possible.

“Luckily we've got the Lions at home, but it will also be a difficult game.

“They've got a quality team and they also play at a high tempo.

“We will improve in training this week, and get back and have a look at where it went wrong.”

Chris Smit was the latest casualty when he limped off the park in Pretoria with what appeared to be a hamstring strain. This as the Cheetahs had to finish the game against the Bulls with just 14 players on the pitch. 

Dries Swanepoel is expected to come back into the team this week against the Lions after he recovered from an injury. Swanepoel was a part of the 26-man squad that travelled to the capital city on the weekend.

The Cheetahs host the Lions on Saturday afternoon at 16:30.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport