The last time the Cheetahs played in Nelspruit, they thumped the Pumas 41-14 to book their spot in the semi-finals of the 2024 Currie Cup.

The Pumas are one of three unbeaten teams in the competition after two rounds and are backing themselves for another victory. So far, they have had little trouble dispatching the SWD Eagles in Nelspruit and Eastern Province in Gqeberha in the opening rounds.

Ruwald van der Merwe playing for the Shimlas in the 2022 Varsity Cup. Photo: Morgan Piek

When it comes to facing the Cheetahs, the team from the Lowveld know how to fire themselves up and pull off an upset.

That said, the Cheetahs are by no means favourites to win this one, and if they do, it will be quite an achievement.

Pumas loose forward and former University of the Free State Shimlas captain, Ruwald van der Merwe, told OFM Sport that they are determined to set the record straight, as they have big aspirations for the season.

“I think it’s going to be a really good match – it’s always a great opportunity to play against the Cheetahs,” said Van der Merwe.

“They are always a quality side, and I think that’s what it comes down to for us. As professional rugby players, you want to measure yourself against the best teams and players in the competition, so we’re really looking forward to it.

“I think we owe them one from last September, and our goal for this SA Cup is to bring the final to Nelspruit. If you look at the past few years, we had a Currie Cup final in Kimberley in 2022, a Currie Cup final in Bloemfontein in 2023, and last year’s SA Cup final was also in Kimberley. So, as a team, we’re working towards finishing top of the log and securing a home final – and hopefully, we can go all the way this year.

Stefan Coetzee. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’re in a really good space as a team, we’re ready for them this weekend, and we’re looking forward to the opportunity. We hope to make our fans proud and pull this one through.”

Friday night’s game at Mbombela Stadium kicks off at 19:00.

Pumas –  15 Jaycee Nel, 14 Stefan Coetzee, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 12 Wian van Niekerk, 11 Darren Adonis, 10 Clinton Swart (captain), 9 Ross Braude, 8 Kwanda Dimaza, 7 Ruwald van der Merwe, 6 Ntsika Fisanti, 5 Tiaan de Klerk, 4 Jeandré Leonard, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Jan-Henning Campher, 1 Etienne Janeke

Replacements - 16 Llewellyn Classen, 17 Dewald Maritz, 18 Eduan Swart, 19 Hanno Theunissen, 20 André Fouche, 21 Conor van Eden, 22 Danrich Visagie, 23 Lundi Msenge

Cheetahs – 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Michael Annies, 13 Raegan Oranje, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Litha Nkula, 10 George Lourens, 9 Jandré Nel, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Neels Volschenk, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen (captain), 1 Hencus van Wyk

Replacements – 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Dux Manyama, 18 Frankie Dos Reis, 19 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Sisonke Vumazonke, 22 Rewan Kruger, 23 Jooste Nel

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg