Challenge Cup: Cheetahs depart for must-win French Affair

The men from Bloemfontein are set to face a hostile reception at Stade Marcel-Michelin on Saturday when they face the fourth-ranked Clermont in a knockout encounter. 

A year ago, the Cheetahs were knocked out of the Challenge Cup by a star-studded Toulon team. Now, 16 players from that squad return to France with the hopes of a victory. 

Speaking to rugby365.com, coach Izak van der Westhuizen revealed he is backing that experience to get his charges over the line.

"In Europe, it is not like here [in South Africa], where you can run everywhere," he said.

"You have to use the kicking game to your advantage - figure out how to manipulate the game. That experience counts a lot. That 'big guy' syndrome is not there this year."

Cheetahs 25-man touring squad:

Aranos Coetzee, Schalk Ferreira, Reinhardt Fortuin, Munier Hartzenberg, Marko Janse van Rensburg, Daniel Kasende, Rewan Kruger, Andell Loubser, George Lourens, Tapiwa Mafura, Oupa Mohoje, Litha Nkula, Friedle Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, Sibabalo Qoma, Jeandre Rudolph, Victor Sekekete (c), Alulutho Tshakweni, Laurens Victor, Gideon van der Merwe, Louis van der Westhuizen, Abner van Reenen, Hencus van Wyk, Carl Wegner, Mzwanele Zito.

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