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Cape Town - Well-known sports psychologist Henning Gericke says the Cheetahs should see their game against the Bulls as an opportunity, and not an obstacle.
Since they became a franchise in 2006, the men from Bloemfontein have never beaten the Bulls in Super Rugby, with their best effort a 23-25 loss in Bloemfontein in 2011. They also came close this year at Loftus Versfeld before losing 20-26.
However, Gericke, who assisted the Boks when they won the 2007 Rugby World Cup, said there were enough positives this season for the Cheetahs to overturn the record books.
"The Cheetahs team of 2013 is one that overcomes challenges," he told the Volksblad website.
"I would compile a video of everything they've achieved this year. They won three out of four matches overseas, lost Johan Goosen and had to overcome other injuries.
"I always speak of the two O's. The Cheetahs have to see the game as a massive opportunity, and not an obstacle.
Gericke also believes the Cheetahs have enough leadership and experience to help them overcome arguably their toughest test this season.
With coaches like Naka (Drotské) and Os (du Randt) you have guys who beat the Bulls as players, even though it was in the Currie Cup. Adriaan Strauss is also an unbelievable leader."
The Cheetahs may have a lot to lose (like a spot in the playoffs) but Gericke said they should not approach the game in that manner.
"They should rather focus on what they can win."
The Cheetahs are fourth on the overall Super Rugby log and second in the South African conference, trailing the Bulls by five points.
The clash at the Free State Stadium kicks off at 19:10 on Saturday.
Since they became a franchise in 2006, the men from Bloemfontein have never beaten the Bulls in Super Rugby, with their best effort a 23-25 loss in Bloemfontein in 2011. They also came close this year at Loftus Versfeld before losing 20-26.
However, Gericke, who assisted the Boks when they won the 2007 Rugby World Cup, said there were enough positives this season for the Cheetahs to overturn the record books.
"The Cheetahs team of 2013 is one that overcomes challenges," he told the Volksblad website.
"I would compile a video of everything they've achieved this year. They won three out of four matches overseas, lost Johan Goosen and had to overcome other injuries.
"I always speak of the two O's. The Cheetahs have to see the game as a massive opportunity, and not an obstacle.
Gericke also believes the Cheetahs have enough leadership and experience to help them overcome arguably their toughest test this season.
With coaches like Naka (Drotské) and Os (du Randt) you have guys who beat the Bulls as players, even though it was in the Currie Cup. Adriaan Strauss is also an unbelievable leader."
The Cheetahs may have a lot to lose (like a spot in the playoffs) but Gericke said they should not approach the game in that manner.
"They should rather focus on what they can win."
The Cheetahs are fourth on the overall Super Rugby log and second in the South African conference, trailing the Bulls by five points.
The clash at the Free State Stadium kicks off at 19:10 on Saturday.
