Cheetahs 'learn' from the Lions
Cheetahs coach Franco Smith admitted there will be 'expectations' for his team to improve on their 14th-place finish from last year, after winning the Currie Cup with a largely unchanged team.
And with their squad still largely intact – Springbok lock Lodewyk de Jager and loose forward Willie Britz the only significant losses – the Cheetahs will not be able to fly under the radar.
Another parallel that can be drawn to the Lions, last year's beaten Super Rugby finalists, is that the Cheetahs will face New Zealand teams in the pool stages this year.
"Yes, there are expectations as Currie Cup champions," Smith told rugby365.
"However, what we have learned from Johan Ackermann [and the Lions] last year – as they were in the same situation – is that you must keep on doing what you have been doing," he added.
The Cheetahs coach said winning the Currie Cup was not their only goal.
"We have plenty other goals – and it will require hard work – but we are determined to deliver a better product for the Free State and South Africa.
"While the expectations will be there, we must control what we can control and that is how we play."
The Cheetahs mentor said there were some "valuable lessons" learnt from their Currie Cup campaign.
"Mainly it is a combination of attack and defence and getting that balance right," he told rugby365, adding: "Our defence was better in the Currie Cup, but the type and quality of the attacks we'll be facing in Super Rugby will be a lot more intense.
"The breakdowns will also be very important.
"Of course set piece possession remains important, because you can't play without the ball."
Smith also confirmed that injured Springbok centre Francois Venter – who is on track to be available for the opening match of the season, against the Lions on February 25 – will captain the Cheetahs again.
The Cheetahs have a strong leadership core, but the call about who will step in if Venter is not available will be made closer to match days.
Players who have captained the Cheetahs before and are in the running include Teboho Mohoje, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Francois Uys, Reniel Hugo, Rayno Benjamin and Tian Meyer.
By Jan de Koning
@king365ed
@rugby365com
