Following their exit from the EPCR Challenge Cup, the Cheetahs have turned their attention to domestic rugby in a competition serving as a qualifier for the Currie Cup.

The Cheetahs are currently plagued by injuries following their European campaign, with no fewer than 17 players sidelined – a substantial portion of their squad. While the Cheetahs won’t face the challenge of selecting two teams for clashing fixtures in Europe and South Africa, the sheer number of injuries will undoubtedly test the depth of the squad.

It was also reported over the weekend that there will be a shake-up in the Cheetahs’ technical team. Two-time World Cup winner Frans Steyn is set to take over as head coach, while his long-time teammate, Ruan Pienaar, is expected to step into the role of backline coach. Additionally, former Springbok and Stormers hooker Tiaan Liebenberg is tipped to join as the forwards coach.

No formal announcement regarding the coaching staff has been made yet, but this is expected to happen when former captain Rory Duncan assumes his new role as CEO.

‘We are letting people down’

Steyn told OFM Sport that for the team, it’s business as usual, and it is imperative to improve their performance from last year. “There are a couple of lessons that we should learn quickly,” said Steyn.

“We cannot keep making excuses – we haven’t done well in the SA Cup, Currie Cup, or even now. Here and there, we’ve seen glimpses of good rugby, but we need to step up. We are not performing as we should, and we are letting people down.”

Frans Steyn. Photo: Morgan Piek

Steyn added that while it will be helpful not having to field two entirely different teams for two competitions on separate continents during the same weekend, the team’s depth will still be tested by the alarming number of injuries. “We are sitting with 17 injuries after the EPCR, and that does put pressure on us,” Steyn said.

“Regarding funding and matters like that, those discussions are happening far above my pay grade – I’m not involved in them. They need to tell us where we are heading. I’m at the coaching level now and we need to make it work – that’s my first priority.”

SA Rugby has yet to confirm the fixtures for the SA Cup, but the tournament, which includes teams such as the Griquas, Griffons, Leopards, and Pumas, is expected to kick off over the weekend of 7 to 9 March.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg