Against all odds, the Cheetahs managed to secure their place in the knockout stages of the tournament.

After being kicked out of the Super Rugby and then the PRO14, the Cheetahs advanced, and this while also having to play their home games in Italy.

Van Reenen told OFM Sport that he is proud of the team's accomplishments.

"I'm extremely happy with the team. It was a difficult match. They played really well, but unfortunately, they made a lot of mistakes and it could have gone either way," said the former Free State lock.

"I'm very happy with the results. They showed tremendous fight, spirit, and character. Those are the things that make teams win - when they can come back from a literal disaster and actually pull the game through. I'm very proud of the boys for making it into the round of 16.

"We've been kicked out of Super Rugby and PRO Rugby and we've been isolated from the European Championships." But now we're there; we're in the last 16. I'm extremely proud. It's a great thing for the Free State supporters and the Cheetahs."

The Cheetahs will take a short break before turning their focus to the first two rounds of the Currie Cup against the Griquas and Griffons.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek