Cheetahs look to build momentum at home
After starting their Pro14 campaign with losses to Ulster and Munster in Ireland, the Cheetahs picked up much-needed confidence after their first home match of the season against Zebre. However, things are going to get a bit difficult in the next few weeks.
The Cheetahs will now welcome the challenge of Irish giant Leinster this weekend ahead of clashes against Ospreys and Glasgow Warriors – all in Bloemfontein.
"It [the win] was very important, we wanted to get on the board in our campaign – get a win under the belt," said Cheetahs head coach Rory Duncan.
"I just think for the players' confidence as well it's important obviously moving forward.
"I think we got four games at home now and we want to have good home games, good performances on home soil, so tonight [Saturday] was the start of that."
Duncan knows that Leinster will be a serious step up from Zebre.
"We only managed to catch a couple of snippets from that [Southern Kings and Leinster] game, but I've had a look at Leinster's video footage from the other two games that they played and they are obviously a quality outfit.
"We are going to have to prep really well and be geared up for what those guys will throw at us.
"Even after some of their players got sent back, there are still at least 10 internationals in their squad, so it is going to be a tough game. But, I believe that our guys are ready for it," Duncan added.
Meanwhile, Cheetahs captain Francois Venter believes Pro14 teams are morehave a more physical approach than those in Super Rugby.
"It [Pro14] is a totally different competition," said Venter. "I think these guys are physical with more direct play if I can compare it to that.
"I think there kicking game is different. They bring a different threat with chips in behind us – they turn us the whole time and especially when we played Munster and Ulster.
"That was a thing that put us under a lot of pressure, but I think this side has adapted well."
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