A poor first half proved to be the undoing of the Cheetahs as they went down 45-26 to the Scarlets in their Challenge Cup clash in Parma, Italy.
The Cheetahs have lost the services of flanker Oupa Mohoje for the next three weeks after he was hit with a suspension for a high tackle.
The Cheetahs returned to the Challenge Cup with an impressive 21-16 come-from-behind win over Section Paloise in the French side's own backyard.
Springbok legend Frans Steyn will start at fullback when the Cheetahs return to top-level rugby against Section Paloise in Pau on Saturday.
Ahead of their EPCR Challenge Cup debut this season, the Cheetahs have announced their squad for Rounds 1 & 2 set to be played in December 2022.
There should be high levels of discomfort and an element of desperation in several teams when the next phase of the United Rugby Championship gets underway this weekend.