Head coach Izak van der Westhuizen says a lack of regular games at the intensity of European rugby cost the Cheetahs in the Challenge Cup playoffs.
Despite rallying to produce what was almost an inspiring comeback, the Cheetahs suffered a 27-22 loss to hosts Clermont in the round of 16 of the EPCR’s second-tier Challenge Cup.
The Cheetahs fell out at the same stage last season, losing to eventual champions Toulon in France.
Currently not part of the Vodacom URC, the Cheetahs have been an invitational team in the Challenge Cup, but have outdone themselves by qualifying for the playoffs, given their only other regular competition is the SA Cup involving South Africa’s minnow unions and the Currie Cup.
Prior to their playoff in Clermont, the Cheetahs had last played against European opposition in the Challenge Cup pool stage in January and have since only had games against Boland Cavaliers and the Leopards in the SA Cup.
Van der Westhuizen, a former second rower who was promoted to head coach following Hawies Fourie’s departure for Boland last month, pointed at the lack of regular games against European opposition as a big problem for his side.
“I think the biggest difference is just playing at this level, week-in and week-out,” Van der Westhuizen told Sport24.
“The difference between the SA cup and EPCR is massive, and being able to make that step up takes a little bit of time to get used to.
“I think for us that lack of exposure will always be the challenge.
“We have to try and train in a way that simulates that intensity, which is very difficult,” added Van der Westhuizen.
Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
