- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
The Cheetahs host the Blues from Free State Stadium in Blomfontein. Join us for live coverage from 4.10am (AEST).
An exciting contest lies in wait for us today as both of these teams like to play with the ball in hand and both have the talent out wide to do it.
The Cheetahs had the bye last round and will want to hit the ground running to prove that their fantastic away win over one of the pre-tournament favourites, the Sharks in Durban, was no fluke.
The Cheetahs built their win against the Sharks on the back of a reasonable set piece and a dominating the breakdown through sheer numbers and physicality, allowing them to utilise their dangerous outside backs. With the calm head of Joe Pietersen to guide them around the park, I suspect we will see more of the same.
The challenge will be to shake the cobwebs off early as many teams struggle to get out of first gear following the bye.
The Blues find themselves in a must-win situation after two early losses. Returning home to New Zealand with a 0-3 record will be unpalatable and the scrutiny intense.
Captain Jerome Kaino and a good mix of All Black experience means the Blues certainly have the ability to match the Cheetahs’ physicality and they have their own stable of quality firepower out wide. Discipline will be the key component for the Blues to address, after being hammered last weekend including a red card.
The Blues will not win games if this is not addressed.
What was pleasing was that despite playing out last weekend’s match with 14 men for the majority, their defence and intensity was very good. A similar effort will be required this weekend against this very dangerous Cheetahs side.
Tip: Blues.
Join us from 4.10am as we cover what promises to be a fast and exciting match here on The Roar.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.