Toyota Cheetahs vs Zebre Parma

The Toyota Cheetahs are hosting Zebre Parma in Amsterdam for Round 3 of the  EPCR Challenge on Sunday, 12 January. The match at NRCA Stadium kicks off at 14:00 (15:00 SA time) and will be live on SuperSport for South African supporters.  

After a draw against USAP and a defeat against Cardiff Rugby, the Toyota Cheetahs are 5th on the log in Pool A, and a win would be essential to continue to the Round of 16. The encounter promises excitement as Zebre Parma would eye their first pool-stage win. The four highest-ranked clubs in each pool of six qualify for the knockout stage.

Tickets for the game are available online at https://rugby.nl/ticketshop 

At €17.50 for adults and €5.00 for kids.

One of the EPCR’s conditions for the Toyota Cheetahs’ participation as an invitee in the 2024/25 EPCR Challenge Cup is for the team to be based in Europe. The Toyota Cheetahs are committed to making this EPCR Challenge Cup season competitive and successful and are proud to be part of the prestigious competition. Free State Rugby is grateful to Rugby Netherlands for their invaluable support in organizing the EPCR Challenge Cup match at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam and for providing a welcoming home in Europe.

“Zebre is a good side upfront and has a good attacking side. We’re not taking this game lightly. We know that we are up for a big fight. It is a big challenge for us. Said Coach Izak van der Westhuizen.

“The Toyota Cheetahs We represent Bloemfontein and the region and want to make all our supporters proud. We play for each other, and we play for the supporters, and the pressure is always there to make our people proud.”

 “We have a couple of injuries with senior players in key positions, but it is just how rugby works. You can never predict these things, and it allows younger players to show that they deserve to play at this level.”

Players who are not available for selection due to injury are Cameron Dawson (calf), James Verity-Amm (knee), Gideon van der Merwe (ankle), Robert Hunt (calf), Banele Mthenjane (hamstring), Carl Wegner (finger), Oupa Mohoje (shoulder) and Schalk Ferreira (hamstring).

“Despite the injuries the vibe in the camp is good. We have a couple of youngsters eager to raise their hand and earn a spot in the team.” Said Captain Victor Sekekete.   

“Returning after the festive season, it was clear that the guys needed a break of some sort. We are a family-orientated team; the guys returned rejuvenated, and the bodies had time to rest. The guys had energy and effort in training, so the break was good.”

The team for the encounter:

Toyota Cheetahs

15.       Michael Annies

14.       Munier Hartzenberg

13.       Carel-Jan Coetzee

12.        Ali Mgijima

11.        Prince Nkabinde

10.        Ethan Wentzel                                                    

9.           Ruben de Haas

8.           Jeandré Rudolph

7.           Friedle Olivier

6.           Daniel Maartens

5.           Victor Sekekete (C )

4.           Pieter Janse van Vuren

3.           Aranos Coetzee

2.           Louis van der Westhuizen

1.           Hencus van Wyk

16.        Vernon Paulo

17.        Corne Fourie

18.        Laurence Victor

19.        Pierre-Raymond Uys

20.        Sisonke Vumazonke

21.        Litha Nkula

22.        Jandre Nel

23.        Cohen Jasper

Match officials: The referee for the match is Peter Martin. He will be assisted by Jonny Erskine and Stuart Gaffikin.

Next match:  Round 4:  Lyon vs Toyota Cheetahs, Saturday, 18 January 2025 at 18:30 (19:30 SA time) at Matmut Stadium de Gerland in Lyon, France.

Photo credit: Rugby-shots.nl