Cape Town - Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské believes their season could have looked different had they won several of their close encounters.

Drotské told Volksblad they are their own worst enemies, which is the difference between them and a team like the Stormers.

He feels giving away unnecessary tries at crucial times is what makes them lose tight and crucial matches.

In their 34-20 loss to the Sharks last week, Drotské feels they gave away at least two unnecessary tries which cost them after leading 11-7 after 34 minutes.

"It happens in most matches where we lose by less than seven points."

The Cheetahs have lost six games by less than seven points this season, while the Stormers - who are at the top of the log standings - have won several games this season with a narrow scoreline.

"It's frustrating to lose six games by less than seven points.

"I told the players the Stormers, who are at the top of the ladder, have won six matches by less than seven points.

"That's the difference and shows how close the teams in the competition are to each other.

"We are 12th on the log standings and the Stormers first, but they are able to win the 50/50 games," said Drotské.

The Cheetahs take on the Waratahs at the Free State Stadium on Saturday. (17:05 kick-off)

Teams:

Cheetahs:
15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Rocco Jansen, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Andries Strauss, 11 Willie le Roux, 10 Riaan Smit, 9 Piet van Zyl, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Ashley Johnson, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Andries Ferreira, 4 Izak van der Westhuizen, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Coenie Oosthuizen

Substitutes: 16 Hercu Liebenberg, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Francois Uys, 19 Justin Downey, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Sias Ebersohn, 22 Philip Snyman

Waratahs:
TBA