Cheetahs Prepare for Final Challenge Series Match Against Emerging Ireland

The final match of the Challenge Series is set to take place in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, where the Free State Cheetahs will face Emerging Ireland. This game forms part of the Cheetahs’ preparation for their upcoming European campaign. Emerging Ireland has been successful in their tour, having secured victories against the Pumas and Western Force.

Frans Steyn, the Director of Rugby, expressed the significance of the Challenge Series for the team. “This [Challenge Series] was a good hit-out for us,” Steyn commented, particularly noting the challenge posed by the Western Force. “They [the Force] played so differently from what we are used to the last few years,” he added, signaling the importance of the series in preparing the team for future competitions.

Emerging Ireland’s coach, Simon Easterby, described this tour as a development opportunity. “We knew that every player in the group would have the opportunity to play his part,” Easterby stated. “To a man, each player has given his all so far and we are aiming to finish off the series with another positive performance on Wednesday,” he continued, acknowledging the strength of the Cheetahs and the supportive home crowd in Bloemfontein.

The Cheetahs’ captain, Victor Sekekete, highlighted the need to counter the agility and strategy of the Irish side. Sekekete detailed the team’s observation on Emerging Ireland’s dynamic play style. “They use a lot of interplay,” he said, emphasizing the necessity for strong defense to put pressure on their opponents.

Key players for the Cheetahs include wings Prince Nkabinde and Asanda Kunene, who have been named in the starting lineup after their impressive performance against the Griffons. The match comes as a crucial test for the Cheetahs ahead of their European ‘home game’ against Union Sportive Arlequins Perpignanais at the National Rugby Centre Amsterdam in early December.

Emerging Ireland, under the leadership of captain James Culhane, looks to extend their winning streak on the tour. Evan O’Connell, a former Ireland Under-20 captain, will be a cornerstone in the team’s lineup, while Sam Prendergast is expected to lead in the flyhalf position for his third game of the tour.

The match promises to be a valuable experience for both teams, serving as a platform for players to demonstrate their skills in a competitive environment. The fixture will commence at 19.00 local time at the Free State Stadium with Stephan Geldenhuys officiating the game. Assistant referees DJ Hefer and Ashton Ockhuys will support him, with Hanru van Rooyen as the TMO.