The Toyota Cheetahs will be travelling to France again in April for their big EPCR Challenge Cup round of 16 playoff against ASM Clermont Auvergne (Clermont).
The Cheetahs did fall sort on Saturday against Oyonnax in France with a heartbreaking 28-27 defeat some eight minutes after full time, however, their wins against Zebre in Parma and the Sharks in Bloemfontein were enough to see them advance, albeit they received a favour. Section Paloise’s (Pau) win over the Italian team, Zebre, led to the Cheetahs advancing.
It is the second time in two seasons that the Cheetahs will play in the round of 16 after losing 36-21 to the French Top 14 giants, Toulon, last year. Toulon went on to win the EPCR Challenge Cup after beating Franco Smith’s Glasgow Warriors 43-19 in the final.
For now, the Cheetahs’ attention will start turning towards the upcoming SA Cup. The tournament will feature the Cheetahs, as well as the Griquas, Pumas and Griffons, and First Division teams such as the Leopards, Valke and Boland Cavaliers.
The Cheetahs will play in at least two SA Cup games before their playoff against Clermont. While the fixtures for the SA Cup aren’t finalised, it’s expected they will tackle the Cavaliers at the end of March, while the Challenge Cup game will be played on the weekend of 5-7 April. – MORGAN PIEK
