Bloemfontein - While the Cheetahs suffered a disappointing loss against the Jaguares in their Super Rugby opener last weekend, wing Raymond Rhule believes the team will learn from their mistakes.
The Cheetahs managed to build an early 24-3 lead against the Argentinean visitors, but a poor second-half performance saw the Bloemfontein side lose the match 34-33 last Friday.
While it will be a tough defeat to swallow, the young Cheetahs squad will learn from the experience.
“There’s no doubt that this was a game that we should’ve won. We should’ve closed the game in the second half,” Rhule told MyPlayers. “We’ve been working hard to develop an effective all-round game, including an exciting attack paired with a strong defence. We were shining for most parts of the first half, but we didn’t continue that momentum.
“But these are some of the lessons you’ll learn as a team in Super Rugby. The important thing is not to dwell on the result… it’s important that we learn, move on and prepare for the next game.”
The Cheetahs will face the Stormers at home in their next fixture. The Cape side proved their pedigree this season when they beat the Bulls 33-9 at Newlands last weekend.
Rhule said they are aware of the threat the Stormers will bring to Free State this Saturday.
“The Stormers are a very good side. They will be very confident after their win over the Bulls and we expect them to come out firing,” said Rhule.
“But like in any South African derby, it’s all about who performs better on the day. We will need to deliver an improved and complete performance this weekend. We will need to improve in the departments that were lacking during the second half against the Jaguares if we want to put ourselves in a good position against the Stormers.”
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