The Toyota Cheetahs want to draw on the lessons learnt by the Springboks as they continue to prepare for their upcoming EPCR Challenge Cup campaign.

The Cheetahs are currently in the second phase of their preseason following the successful Toyota Challenge Cup in which they beat the Western Force 3-1 in a series of four matches.

While the Cheetahs had no Springboks at the World Cup this year, Aranos Coetzee and Chucky van der Westhuizen represented Namibia in France.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that the Springboks togetherness was something that his team can draw on.

“The Springboks delivered a great performance during the knockout matches and managed to win all three by a single point,” said the Currie Cup-winning coach.

“What we as a Cheetah team can learn from them is, first of all, togetherness. They are all on the same page and are working for each other. There are no egos – it's all about the team and the country and not about the individual.

“Handré Pollard was excellent with his kicking. He was successful with 13 kicks on goal, and the only other kicker who didn't miss was Italy flyhalf Tommaso Allan, who was successful with 16 out of 16 kicks. It played a big role in sealing the narrow victories.

“Then the work rate of the players was outstanding. If you look at a player like Pieter-Steph du Toit in the final - and also Franco Mostert - every time there was a line break, seven players chased the attacker. There were always two or three players in the cover defense.

“They worked very hard for each other. There had been a very good team spirit. They were well coached with a clear plan. I am very happy for the Springboks.”

The good omen of the Cheetahs winning the Currie Cup in World Cup year continued. When the Cheetahs won the Currie Cup in 2007, 2019 and now 2023 the Springboks went on to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

Tongue in cheek, Fourie, added that they are glad to have played their part in the Springboks success and asked SA Rugby for a favourable draw for the 2027 Currie Cup.

“I am happy that the good omen has worked out again so that when we win the Currie Cup, then the Springboks win the Rugby World Cup.

“SA Rugby must give us a good draw in 2027 so that we can set the tone again. I am sure most of these Springboks will be available again in four years and they will only get better.

“We just want to congratulate them for one hell of a big effort in the World Cup and we're all proud of what they've achieved.”

The Cheetahs will face the Griffons and Lions in the coming weeks before starting their European Challenge Cup campaign. The Cheetahs will tackle Zebre in Parma on 9 December in their opening match of the EPCR Challenge Cup.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport