This despite a valiant fight in the second half at Stade Mayol in France, the Cheetahs were beaten 36-21 after trailing 19-0 at half-time to the French giants, Toulon.

This was the Cheetahs' fifth game in the tournament, but it was their fifth away from home as none of the games was played in Bloemfontein. This was a condition of the Cheetahs' participation in the competition.

While the Cheetahs did accept this to get some game time, it is hardly fair on the team. It once again proves that they are more than just a Currie Cup team. 

If one looks at the Lions - who played in the tournament as well - they got to play their games home and away, and on Saturday they managed to advance to the quarter-finals with a home win against Racing 92 at Ellis Park.

In every single one of the five games the Cheetahs also managed to score more points than their opponents in the second half.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that he was tremendously proud of the way his team played, he added that only by playing in international competitions more regularly, they will certainly improve by testing themselves against quality opponents.

“I would like us to get to play these types of games in Bloemfontein as well, and to play at a high level more often during the season,” said Fourie from France.

“That will just help the whole squad and all of the players to lift their games to get used to this intensity and speed of the game.

“I'm proud of our performance, but we'll have to go back now and focus on the Currie Cup.”

On Sunday at 15:00, the Lions will host the Cheetahs at Ellis Park in round five of the Currie Cup.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport