Jóhann Thormählen

Bloemfontein – The rock solid defence of the Free State Cheetahs has in the past given them the upper hand over the Sharks.

And if they want to beat the Currie Cup defending champions to secure their first win in the competition on Friday night, the Cheetahs will once again have to produce some riveting defending at Vodacom Park.

This is the opinion of Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské - who also believes that the Sharks have good forwards and are especially fond of attacking next to the rucks and building momentum in this way.

"Aggressive defending has always worked well against the Sharks and we would like to continue with that."

With experienced forwards like Ryan Kankowski (eighth man), Jean Deysel (flank), Jacques Botes (flank) and Steven Sykes (lock), the Sharks will definitely take on the Cheetahs in front, in and around the loose mauls."

The Sharks also carry the ball well in contact situations and often manage to pass the ball when it looks impossible.

The Cheetahs will attempt to prevent this with a strong first line of defence, thereby catching the Sharks off guard and breaking their rhythm.

For the home team, the contribution of players like David de Villiers, Nico Breedt (locks), Frans Viljoen, Hendro Scholtz (flanks) and Francois Uys (eight man) is important in this regard.

Viljoen's inclusion in the place of the injured Johan Wessels (flank) will give the Cheetahs more power in front.

"He (Frans) is very physical and likes to compete at the breakdown points. Johan played very well against the Western Province, but Frans is heavier and has more knocking and propping power. It will definitely be advantageous to us in the loose mauls against the Sharks," said Drotské.

The Sharks also have game breakers like Stefan Terblanche (fullback), Odwa Ndungane (wing) and Rory Kockott (scrumhalf). Counter attacks are their bread and butter and the Cheetahs will therefore can't afford any handling errors.

Drotské believes unforced errors cost his team victories against the Golden Lions and Western Province.

"We are satisfied with our form against the Lions and WP, but we made too many stupid mistakes."

He said the team spirit remains very strong, despite three defeats and that players remain positive.

"It is important to get our first victory against the Sharks and then to make a habit (of winning)."