Georgia rugby head coach Richard Cockerill.
Image: Daniel Leal, AFP
Rugby fans in Kimberley won’t have to travel far for a taste of international action as Bloemfontein, just a short trip away, prepares to host Georgia’s national team against the Toyota Cheetahs at Toyota Stadium a few months from now.
While the Suzuki Griquas remain the undisputed fan favourites in Kimberley, many locals also have a soft spot for their Free State neighbours. With the Cheetahs being the region’s central powerhouse, Kimberley supporters may well make their presence felt in the stands, adding their voices to what promises to be a super-charged atmosphere.
All this because, international rugby action is set to return to Bloemfontein as Georgia's national team gears up to face the Toyota Cheetahs at Toyota Stadium on July 12. This clash will serve as a crucial warm-up for the Lelos ahead of their highly anticipated Test match against the Springboks in Nelspruit a week later.
Georgia, making their second tour to South Africa, will find themselves up against a Cheetahs side that will be deep into their season and eager to test themselves against international opposition.
A Highly Anticipated Encounter
The announcement of this fixture has been met with excitement from both SA Rugby and the Free State Cheetahs. Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, highlighted the significance of this match for both teams and the rugby community in Central South Africa.
"We received a request from Georgia for an extra match on their tour, and what better opponent than the Toyota Cheetahs, who will be in the middle of their season at that stage," said Oberholzer. "We believe it’ll be a great occasion for Cheetah fans and rugby supporters in Central South Africa, and it will give our visitors a proper hit-out before they take on the Springboks."
For the Free State Cheetahs, the opportunity to host Georgia is a major event, with CEO Rory Duncan emphasising the significance of the fixture.
"We are thrilled to host Georgia at Toyota Stadium for what promises to be an exciting encounter. This is a fantastic opportunity for our supporters to witness top-class rugby in Bloemfontein," said Duncan. "Playing against Georgia will be a great test for the Toyota Cheetahs. The team is up for the challenge, and we are eager to see how we measure against an international side."
Georgia's Preparation for the Boks
Richard Cockerill, Georgia’s head coach and a former England hooker, expressed his enthusiasm about facing the Cheetahs as part of their South African tour. Having previously coached England, Cockerill understands the intensity required to compete against South African teams.
"Playing the Cheetahs will be a great opportunity for us to prepare for the Test match against the Boks," said Cockerill. "Bloemfontein is a great place to play rugby, and the Toyota Stadium is an amazing venue. We are excited about testing ourselves against a great rugby nation."
The upcoming clash against Georgia will also give the Cheetahs a chance to showcase their talent on an international stage. With a proud rugby tradition and a fan base that passionately supports the team, the Toyota Stadium is expected to provide an electric atmosphere.
Boks' Incoming Series Schedule
Following their encounter with the Cheetahs, Georgia will turn their attention to the Springboks, facing the reigning world champions at the Mbombela Stadium on July 19. This fixture will be the final match of the Castle Lager Incoming Series, which begins with South Africa taking on Italy on July 5 in Pretoria and then again on July 12 in Gqeberha.
With Bloemfontein set to host this thrilling showdown, fans from across the central region will have the perfect opportunity to witness high-intensity rugby up close. The clash between the Toyota Cheetahs and Georgia promises to be a spectacle of skill and power, with both sides eager to make a statement on the international stage.