The Toyota Cheetahs loosehead prop, Schalk Ferreira, has been named in the EPCR Challenge Cup’s Team of the Week following the first round.

On Sunday, Ferreira and the rest of the forwards dominated Perpignan during a 20-20 draw in Amsterdam. The 40-year-old Ferreira, who has hinted at retirement soon, showcased his class and the value of his experience during the game.

As the Cheetahs prepare for this week’s game against Cardiff in Wales, Ferreira told OFM Sport that it was a collective effort by the pack.

“I really enjoyed it, and the pack really played well,” said Ferreira.

“You know the old adage, ‘the strength of the wolf is in the pack’, so yeah, it’s easy to perform if the pack is performing. Lineouts, mauls, maul stopping – all the set-pieces were really good from our side. I actually just think three soft moments cost us the game.

“So we are inches away from putting on a really good performance. I’m not closing any doors just yet, and as long as I can keep playing my heart out, I'm going to enjoy it.”

‘It wasn’t like we were overpowered’

The seasoned professional added that for them, it’s just a matter of continuing to fine-tune the small details. If they continue to work as a collective, the results will come.

“I think the team knew that it wasn’t like we were overpowered. We felt that three really soft moments against the run of play cost us the game. We are keen to put in a really good performance and just fight for those inches by avoiding mistakes and executing well.

Tinus de Beer. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I think the team is in a good place, and we are hungry to put in a good performance. The pack is really firing, like I said. It was nice to get the accolade, but I know the strength is in the pack.”

Cardiff in turn will want to set the record straight after they suffered a 37-26 defeat to Lyon in France during the first round. The defeat did come at a heavy cost with the former Griquas and Pumas flyhalf Tinus de Beer having picked up a knock. At this stage, the Welsh team is uncertain about the availability of the exciting and consistent backline marshal.

Saturday’s game between Cardiff and the Cheetahs at Cardiff Arms Park kicks off at 22:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg