Cheetahs go on hunt for their biggest catch

TOMORROW’S Pro14 finals series playoff against the Scarlets in Llanelli looms as potentially the biggest game in the Cheetahs’ history.

Yes‚ they’ve won the Currie Cup a few times but this could put them on the map.

Coach Rory Duncan‚ however‚ lingeringly hugs the humdrum‚ and he’s desperate to treat this clash like any other.

The last time the Cheetahs’ featured in the knockout stages of an international tournament, they narrowly lost to the Brumbies in a Super Rugby playoff clash in Canberra in 2013.

Duncan however, on Wednesday, brushed the weight of the occasion aside.

“It is obviously a special game for us‚ and the guys realise that we are in a playoff.

“In terms of how we handle it‚ it’s just another week for us. We will focus on the task that faces us‚” said Duncan.

Duncan’s approach is predictable but also understandable. The Cheetahs won 12 of their 21 matches in league play to make the playoffs at their first attempt.

They were quick learners and don’t want to deviate from the script that helped get them there.

In the Scarlets‚ who are coached by Kiwi Wayne Pivac‚ they face opponents who are one of the most improved sides in the competition.

The Scarlets’ impressive home record has invoked memories of the successful Llanelli team of the 1970s.

They are unbeaten in the Pro14 at home this season. In fact, “the last time the Scarlets lost a home game in Pro14 was in 2016”, Duncan reminded.

The winner of tomorrow’s match will meet Glasgow Warriors in the semifinals. —