The Lions aren’t expecting a walk in the park when they tackle the Toyota Cheetahs on Saturday in the semi-finals of the Currie Cup. During the round-robin stage of the competition, the Lions beat the Cheetahs 38-21 in Bloemfontein, but that counts for very little on Saturday.

The Lions centre, Rynhardt Jonker, who played for the Griquas in the 2022 Currie Cup final, told OFM Sport that Cheetahs won’t be easy to beat on the weekend.

“The Cheetahs are a very strong side when it comes to playoff rugby,” said the exciting and dangerous centre.

“They’ve done well so far this season in the Currie Cup, and they are also the defending champions. Just, the Cheetahs overall in a semi-final or final, always find their way in those situations. It’s always a very dangerous side and they always play the Free State brand of rugby.

“I think from our side, the Lions side, we’ve definitely had a great season so far. A season that’s been a long time coming for the Lions and I think it’s an occasion for us that will be very special on the day.”

Jonker, who is the son of the referee and now TMO, Marius Jonker, told OFM Sport that discipline will be key and the set-piece battle will be as important as always.

The former Cheetahs fullback, Tapiwa Mafura, will be one of the Lions’ danger men. Picture: Morgan Piek

“We also know that they’ve got a strong set-piece, so yes, we are aware of that so discipline is also going to be key for us.

“We don’t want to give unnecessary penalties away for them to put us in precious situations. We’re just looking to play our brand of rugby, which we’ve been playing throughout the season.”

‘We’re just really looking forward to it and can’t wait’

If selected, the former Cheetahs outside back and Zimbabwean international, Tapiwa Mafura, will earn the distinction of playing in three consecutive semi-finals for three different teams. In 2022, he played for the Pumas against the Cheetahs, and in 2023 he played for the Cheetahs against the Pumas. In both the previous years, he was in the winning team which also went on to win the Currie Cup.

Saturday’s semi-final at Ellis Park kicks off at 14:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh