Assistant coach Izak van der Westhuizen and flanker Friedle Olivier were delighted with the Cheetahs’ bonus-point victory against the Springbok-powered Sharks on Sunday.
The Cheetahs made a telling statement in an eight-try fest in Bloemfontein, where the Free Staters hung on for a 32-29 win in the Challenge Cup.
The teams split eight tries in a match where the lead changed hands four times before Cheetahs winger Cohen Jasper scored a late try to settle a thrilling see-saw battle at Free State Stadium.
Having demonstrated their competitiveness in a round 1 rout of Zebre Parma in Italy, the 2023 Currie Cup winners have taken a big step towards the EPCR playoffs with Sunday’s performance.
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“There was criticism after the Currie Cup series that many Bok players did not play in it,” Van der Westhuizen was quoted post-match in Bloem. “For us, it was an opportunity and a great victory to say that we can also play against them.
“It was a good team effort; I think the group played incredibly well together. It’s a very good Sharks team and to be able to go through the game was an incredible result.”
Man of the Match Olivier added: “It’s the best feeling so far after the Currie Cup final.
“We said before the game that we were going to play for each other and serve the team, and that’s what everyone did.
“We have quality players to challenge any team in the world. It’s time, we deserve it, SA Rugby must give us the opportunity.”
The Cheetahs’ next assignment is against Top 14 outfit Pau in Amsterdam on 16 January, before closing their pool stage against Oyonnax in France (20 January).
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter