Coach Frans Steyn expects a stern test when the Cheetahs open their 2026 Currie Cup campaign against the Lions in Bloemfontein on Sunday. DYLAN JOHNSON reports.
The Cheetahs head into the tournament on the back of a third-place log finish in the SA Cup before being eliminated by eventual winners the Pumas in the semi-finals.
They face a Lions side that narrowly lost last year’s Currie Cup final to Griquas at Ellis Park before going on to enjoy their best-ever URC campaign.
Steyn was straight about the quality of the Lions and the other major unions, pointing to the talent pipeline that flows toward them every season.
“It doesn’t matter who they pick, the Lions have some flipping good rugby players,” he said. “So do the Bulls, Sharks and WP. All the best juniors go to them every year.
“Maybe some of their U20s will be out with the Junior Boks, but they still have the best U23s in the country, all four of those teams.
“Even when Boland come here it is tough. Every team is a tough challenge.”
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Captain Neels Volschenk echoed that view, saying the Lions’ selection would have no bearing on how the Cheetahs approached the game.
“They’re exceptionally well-coached and they are talented rugby players,” he said. “It’s a nice opponent to be playing in your first Currie Cup game to measure yourself against and see where you are as a team.”
Steyn was upbeat about the squad’s preparation, with the focus on fitness and the finer details.
“The guys are back, everybody’s fit and the vibe is good,” he said. “We did spend some time on fitness and then small things like carrying and our breakdown work. It’s still a process and during the Currie Cup we need to get better.”
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Steyn also spoke about rebuilding the bond with supporters and was clear on what would determine the Cheetahs’ season.
“We need to win, but we also need the people of Bloemfontein and the Free State to get to know our players again,” he said. “The bond that we need to build with them going forward is massive.
“If we don’t pitch up every week there’s no consistency, we’re going to find ourselves in trouble somewhere. We need to be consistent week in and week out to give ourselves the opportunity to get into the semi-finals.”
Photo: Danie van der Lith/Gallo Images
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The Cheetahs open their 2026 Currie Cup campaign against the Lions on Sunday, with Frans Steyn warning his squad that the visitors will be a tough challenge regardless of who they select.
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