“It’s about getting over the decision and putting up good performances” – Ruan Pienaar

The Toyota Cheetahs are looking to put their off-field troubles behind them and focus on the competition at hand when they open their Super Rugby Unlocked campaign against the Phakisa Pumas.

The last few months for the Free State union were one of fighting for a seat at the table but they were eventually booted out of the soon to be extended version of the Pro 14 rugby.

Head coach Hawies Fourie and captain Ruan Pienaar have emphasised that the group is focused on the task at hand and not mourning on the decision made by SA Rugby; while also not trying to prove a point of them belonging with the four big franchises.

“It won’t work for us if we focus on the negative and want to prove something, for us its’s about doing well in the competition. Luckily for us we have a competition to play in and focus on. Everyone is more focused, we don’t want to prove anyone wrong, we just want to play as well as we can as a team and just look after each other,” said Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie.

Ruan Pienaar is at the later stages of his career, arrived in Bloemfontein last year and assumed the captaincy role. As the leader of the team, he has been trying to galvanise the guys.

“It’s about getting over the decision and putting up good performances. There is still a lot to play for, we all have the opportunity to do what we love. Under these circumstances you have two choices; either you feel sorry for yourself and dwell on the it or feel sorry for yourself for a day or two and move on from it. That’s the message I’ve been trying to get across to the guys,” explained Pienaar in the virtual media briefing.

Heading to their opening game this weekend, there is optimism about seeing two-time Rugby World Cup winner Frans Steyn make his debut alongside Andisa Ntsila and Louis van der Westhuizen when they set foot to field. 

Toyota Cheetahs vs Phakisa Pumas, Saturday, 10 October, 16:30

15.          Clayton Blommetjies

14.          Malcolm Jaer

13.          Benhard Janse van Rensburg

12.          Frans Steyn

11.          Rosko Specman

10.          Tian Schoeman

9.            Ruan Pienaar (C)

8.            Jasper Wiese

7.            Junior Pokomela

6.            Andisa Ntsila

5.            Walt Steenkamp

4.            Carl Wegner

3.            Luan de Bruin

2.            Reinach Venter

1.            Charles Marais

16.          Louis van der Westhuizen

17.          Boan Venter

18.          Erich de Jager

19.          JP du Preez

20.          Chris Massyn

21.          Aidon Davis

22.          Tian Meyer

23.          William Small-Smith