VIDEO: Hawies on the 2023 Challenge Series as dates confirmed
NEWS: The Cheetahs and the Western Force, will kick off their campaigns in the Challenge Series on Friday, August 25 against each other.
The 2023 Challenge Series will again boast a total prize money of R1 million, with R250 000 awarded for each match.
The two teams entered SuperRugby in 2006 when the tournament was extended from Super12 to Super14, and both teams were axed at the end of the 2017 tournament. Their last encounter was on 2 July 2016 in Stadium, Bloemfontein.
These two teams have had 10 previous encounters, each winning five. The teams met six times at the Bloemfontein Stadium and four times in Perth.
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Ross van Reenen, CEO of the Cheetahs, expressed his anticipation for the upcoming challenge, stating: “We are thrilled to present the 2023 Challenge Series, bringing together the Cheetahs and Western Force in a series of unforgettable rugby battles.
“These matches will showcase sporting talent and foster camaraderie and the enduring spirit of sportsmanship. This tournament will be testament to the unyielding spirit of rugby that binds us together.”
Western Force CEO Tony Lewis echoed the sentiments: “The initiative to broaden the game of rugby to all regions of Western Australia is necessary for the game’s growth. The Western Force is honoured to participate in the 2023 Challenge Series, which promises to be a thrilling contest between two formidable teams.
“This series will undoubtedly captivate rugby fans worldwide, and we are excited to bring our best game to the field, leaving nothing to chance.”
Fixtures:
Friday, August 25: Cheetahs vs Western Force – Bloemfontein Stadium, Bloemfontein. Kick-off is at 17:00 (23:00 AWST)
Saturday, September 2: Cheetahs vs Western Force – Bloemfontein Stadium, Bloemfontein. Kick-off is at 15:00 (21:00 AWST)
Friday, September 29: Western Force vs Cheetahs – Lane Group Stadium, Perth. Kick-off is at 13:00 (19:00 AWST)
Saturday, October 7: Western Force vs Cheetahs – Revo Fitness Stadium, Perth. Kick-off is at 09:00 (15:00 AWST)
Previous SuperRugby Encounters:
6/5/2006 – Bloemfontein: Western Force won 14-16
27/4/2007 – Perth: Western Force won 45-17
22/2/2008 – Bloemfontein: Western Force won 15-16
20/2/2009 – Perth: Western Force won 16-10
8/5/2010 – Bloemfontein: Cheetahs won 29-14
2011 – No matches
5/5/2012 – Bloemfontein: Cheetahs won 17-13
23/3/2013 – Perth: Cheetahs won 10-19
10/5/2014 – Bloemfontein: Western Force won 16-23
11/4/2015 – Perth: Cheetahs won 15-24
2/7/2016 – Bloemfontein: Cheetahs won 30-29
