Cheetahs chase Pumas revenge in Currie Cup Final
REACTION: The Cheetahs are on a mission to get their revenge against the Pumas when the two sides meet in the Currie Cup Final on Saturday.
The Cheetahs booked a spot in the final with a comfortable 39-10 win over the Bulls in the semifinal clash.
The Free State side will host the defending champions, who shocked the Sharks with a 26-20 semifinal win in Durban.
The Currie Cup final is set to be another ferocious encounter with the Cheetahs fully set to avenge last year’s 35-38 semifinal defeat at the hands of Pumas, vowed head coach Hawies Fourie.
“It took me a long time to get over the loss against the Pumas in the semis last year and only now do I feel I’m over it,” Fourie told reporters after the win over the Bulls.
“But, the Pumas will be a big test in the Final.
“They’re a dangerous team on attack and can score tries from anywhere.
“They’re a physical side and it’s difficult to get momentum against them but we’ve got a score to settle with them.”
#SPOTLIGHT: ‘We don’t have the luxury of flying back or staying another day in the hotel’ 👇#CurrieCup #Sharks #Pumas #SHAvPUM https://t.co/dCZpWC2jay
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) June 19, 2023
Unbelievable Ruan
The Cheetahs have been in incredible form this Currie Cup season and their win over the Bulls just illuminated it.
The team had a perfect start and rushed to a 20-3 lead at the break against a team laden with United Rugby Championship players.
Captain Ruan Pienaar was a class act. The 39-year-old controlled the game and kicked six penalties.
“Ruan was unbelievable,” Fourie conceded.
“It’s quite something that he is able to still play so well at his age of 39.
“He is so committed. He chases after balls, and he doesn’t shy away from tackling like others [at his age] might do. He’s just so competitive, and that’s why he is so good.
“We saw the best of Ruan Pienaar [on Saturday].”
There are a couple of injury concerns for the Cheetahs.
Props Hencus van Wyk and Schalk Ferreira were forced to leave the field with head injuries and there is some serious doubt over their availability for the showpiece.
To make things more challenging, Namibian international tighthead Aranos Coetzee is still on the sidelines due to a quad injury.
However, the Cheetahs mentor is confident that Mox Mxoli and Laurence Victor will be up for the challenge, should Van Wyk and Ferreira be unable to take the field.
“I spoke to Schalk and Hencus after the game and they will obviously have to go for and pass the HIA [head injury assessment] tests and we will see how it goes during the week,” Fourie said.
“Luckily Mox Mxoli has had some game time and played well last week. His head is in a good space and he will be ready.
“Laurence Victor has also recovered from his flu earlier in the week, so we’ll be able to use them if necessary.
“Hopefully, we’ll get Schalla and Hencus back on the field for the final.”
The Currie Cup Final will be staged at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday, June 24.
