“We’ve played them so much that it’s become so personal but now it’s time to focus on the objective for the team and what we want for ourselves.”
The Cheetahs’ say their Currie Cup semi-final against Griquas is “so personal” after losing their last four encounters against the Kimberley outfit.
Still, the Blomfontein side said they will be all-business and focussed on winning the play-off by any means come the game in Kimberley on Saturday (kick-off 7.15pm).
‘It is about the team now’
The teams clash after the Griquas won their Currie Cup round-robin fixture 40–10 two weeks ago. The Peacock Blues also beat the Cheetahs in narrow back-to-back SA Cup matches earlier in the year – the league phase 31–29 and semi-final 41–38. They also won their Currie Cup match 44–31 last season.
Captain Victor Sekekete, who previously played two seasons at Griquas, and made his 100th Cheetahs cap in the latest Griquas defeat, said it was personal but “it is about the team” now they are in the semi-finals.
“We’ve played them so much that it’s become so personal but now it’s time to focus on the objective for the team and what we want for ourselves.”
He said the Cheetahs have had a roller-coaster tournament, losing their first game to Boland, winning the next four matches to top the table, and then losing the last two.
Their most recent defeat came against a URC-bolstered Bulls side that featured several Springboks. The Cheetahs fought back from 28–5 at half-time to fall narrowly 35–31. They scored five tries in the losing cause.
“What matters is on the day,” Sekekete said, adding that big games make rugby what it is.
Cheetahs coach proud whatever the result
Coach Frans Steyn said the Cheetahs were “a bit unlucky” in those narrow SA Cup defeats.
“One where a guy clearly stepped out and the ref didn’t see it, and another where we just didn’t get the call. It was tight,” Steyn said.
“In semi-finals and finals, the bounce of the ball and a bit of luck play a part. Hopefully the luck can turn a bit and we can come out on top. But I also spoke to the guys, and I’m extremely proud of them. Win or lose, the way we handle ourselves on and off the field is massive for me.”
He said it was also good how the Cheetahs had used their whole squad in the Currie Cup.
Sekekete added they may have a small advantage having played more rugby under floodlights than the Griquas have recently.
