There is a big buzz in the Toyota Cheetahs’ camp as they continue preparing for the upcoming EPCR Challenge Cup.

For the Cheetahs being able to play in Europe is a big deal as it is their only other big competition apart from the Currie Cup.

There is currently a lot of competition within the squad in order to win jerseys to go and play in Europe, and especially among the loose-forwards the coaching staff will have welcome selection headaches.

The recent law changes have been a big focus area and it is something that the Cheetahs want to get right. Various new laws were put in place to speed up the game and make it more dynamic.

The Cheetahs coach, Izak van der Westhuizen, told OFM Sport that while a lot of the focus is on the new laws, the excitement is mounting and the competition is good.

“Yeah, like you said, there’s big excitement within the camp, I think because it’s such a short training period and pre-season, the guys are really getting stuck in,” said Van der Westhuizen.

“The guys are pushing each other for positions and working very, very hard, so there is definitely no lack of effort from the players’ side.

Daniel Maartens. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I think a big thing for us at the moment is just getting to terms with all the law changes, especially going into Europe, with the guys not being allowed to block on the high-balls anymore. So just how we want to approach that and a couple of other things still need to be fine-tuned.

“The biggest thing at the moment is the guys are working hard and everyone is very excited and buying into what they want to do. So no, definitely looking forward to the upcoming season. Then, yes, the Bulls game is still on, so next week is still a full training week for us and then the week after that we will be playing the Bulls on Thursday.”

The Cheetahs will open their campaign on 8 December against the French Top14 team, Perpignan, in Amsterdam.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg/mvh