4 things the Cheetahs have done right in their first Pro14 campaign
The odds were stacked against the central franchise after they were booted out of Super Rugby and rushed into the European tournament. But they've handled everything well that's come their way.
Rabs Maxane of the Toyota Cheetahs and Matthew Morgan of the Cardiff Blues during the Guinness Pro14 match between Toyota Cheetahs and Cardiff Blues at Toyota Stadium on April 07, 2018 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Photo by Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images)
When the Cheetahs claimed a last gasp 29-27 victory over Cardiff last weekend, they made sure they have a good chance of reaching the playoffs of the Pro14.
Considering how the South African Rugby Union had to rush – and pay over R130 million – to get the central franchise and the Kings in the tournament, Rory Duncan’s troops have done a fine job.
After 19 rounds, the Cheetahs lie third in Conference A with 57 log points (11 wins) and can put real pressure on Munster, who they trail by six points and face in Bloemfontein on Friday evening.
Duncan has described his team’s campaign as “above average and satisfactory”.
Here’s what they’ve done right in remaining thoroughly competitive.
They quickly learnt lessons overseas
The Cheetahs started their campaign in Ireland against local heavyweights Ulster and Munster, matches which they lost 19-42 and 18-51 respectively.
It proved a blessing in disguise.
“It was actually very beneficial. We got an early idea of what it would take playing abroad, what conditions were and what adjustments were needed,” said Duncan.
“In February we had a three game tour where we had the potential to win all those games. It showcased our improvement and that we’ve learnt how to travel.”
The Cheetahs have won two overseas fixtures, one a particularly special 29-17 win over Ospreys.
They haven’t lost their identity
While European conditions dictate that teams sometimes play more practically, the Cheetahs aren’t known for being conservative.
They’ve continued to be an attacking outfit, scoring 69 tries to date and generally trying to remain true to their roots.
Even if there was a temptation to play differently in this tournament, it probably would’ve led into a slump in positive results.
Sometimes it really is better to stick to what you know.
“Frankly, attacking rugby is the identity of the Cheetahs. We like moving the ball,” said Duncan.
“Every coach will try and put his own stamp on the way the team plays but the template is always the same.”
They’ve managed the conditioning demands well
There isn’t a team in South Africa that should be more tired than the Cheetahs.
Duncan’s troops have essentially played non-stop since February 2017 and while injuries have been intermittent, the central franchise has generally coped.
“The last time we’ve had a proper pre-season was in November 2016. We simply didn’t have time for something like that after finishing off Super Rugby,” said Duncan.
“I believe we’ve handled our conditioning well. It’s been a new journey for all involved, even the fitness staff who’ve had to adapt. But we’ve worked closely together, rested the players when advised to do so and eventually found a conditioning programme suitable for a 18-month cycle.”
There’s continuity in coaching staff for next season
It was inevitable that the Cheetahs would lose players again at the end of the current campaign.
Indeed, influential captain and Springbok centre Francois Venter and other such as prop Tom Botha and fullback Clayton Blommetjies are moving on.
Duncan himself is taking up the head coach position at English side Worcester.
However, that’s where the brain drain ends for the Cheetahs.
And sometimes it’s more important to hold on to coaches than players.
“It’s great that Franco (Smith) has returned full-time from the Boks. He knows this team inside-out,” said Duncan.
“I’m the only one leaving. The rest of the coaching staff remains and I think that’s a good omen for future campaigns.”
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