In the past two years, the Cheetahs defied expectations by reaching the round of 16 in the competition. They came close to a quarter-final berth in their debut season but narrowly lost to the eventual champions, Toulon. Last season, the Cheetahs secured a notable victory over the Sharks, who went on to win the EPCR Challenge Cup.

While the Cheetahs have focused heavily on developing younger players this season, they have opted for experience in their squad for the European tour.

This decision means several younger players, such as Neels Volschenk and Jandré ‘Smiley’ Nel, missed out on selection. However, the squad welcomes back Ruben de Haas, who recently represented the USA, and Vernon Paulo, who has recovered from injury.

Additionally, young flyhalf Ethan Wentzel will make his first trip to Europe. While he has had an outstanding year so far, this competition presents an entirely new challenge on unfamiliar playing surfaces.

The Cheetahs’ director of rugby, Frans Steyn, told OFM Sport that tough decisions were required for the squad selection. The team has carefully planned for their first two games abroad, taking a “horses for courses” approach to ensure they are competitive.

Ruben de Haas. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We had some tough conversations – it’s never easy – but we can only take 26 or 27 players. A player like Pierre Uys now gets his opportunity,” said Steyn.

“Since I’ve been here, it’s the first time we’ve faced a situation like this, having to decide who travels and who stays behind. It’s a nice problem to have, but it’s tough to explain to the players.

“This is the squad we believe can secure the wins we need at the moment. We’re playing Perpignan, and they’ve got a big pack. I’m not taking anything away from players like Neels Volschenk or Smiley Nel – they both worked incredibly hard during the pre-season, as have others. But we can only take 26 or 27 players.”

On the inclusion of Ruben de Haas at scrumhalf, Steyn noted that his recent experience playing for the USA in Europe would be an asset.

“To have a player who has competed in Europe over the past few weeks is a big advantage, especially at scrumhalf. Ruben’s game time in European conditions will be valuable to us.”

The Cheetahs will open their campaign against Perpignan on Sunday at 15:00 in Amsterdam.

Cheetahs Squad:

Forwards - Aranos Coetzee, Schalk Ferreira, Corne Fourie, Robert Hunt, Daniel Maartens, Oupa Mohoje, Friedle Olivier, Vernon Paulo, Jeandré Rudolph, Victor Sekekete (captain), Pierre Uys, Hencus van Wyk, Gideon van der Merwe, Louis van der Westhuizen, Laurence Victor, Carl Wegner

Backs - Michael Annies, Carel-Jan Coetzee, Ruben de Haas, Munier Hartzenberg, Marco Janse van Vuren, Cohen Jasper, Rewan Kruger, George Lourens, Ali Mgijima, Prince Nkabinde, Ethan Wentzel

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg