Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn was a relieved man after a missed Griquas conversion enabled his team to qualify for the Currie Cup Premier Division.
The Free Staters edged Griquas 32-31 in Bloemfontein on Friday night, with an 84th-minute miss from replacement flyhalf Liam Koen proving decisive in a SA Cup result that carried massive financial implications.
Premier Division status secures significantly more funding from SA Rugby, along with vital TV exposure for sponsors.
“The players probably saved my arse. Thank you,” Steyn said, his voice hoarse from shouting over the radio during the match. “We were very happy towards the end, but you could see what it meant for the players.”
Griquas arrived unbeaten in the SA Cup, but the Cheetahs produced one of their best performances of the season under intense pressure.
“Griquas are a good team,” said Steyn. “Piet Bergh has the ability to motivate his team every week. I think we can definitely learn certain things from him. I am incredibly proud. Let’s see where the road takes us.”
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Steyn said belief within the squad never wavered, despite doubts from outside.
“I have always believed in the players. I will do it until the end. I am proud of the dedication we have put in.
“There is a lot of work ahead. We were able to learn a lot from the past two weeks, especially in terms of the required intensity that is required every week.”
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The coach acknowledged the weight of expectation on his players, given the importance of maintaining top-tier status.
“It’s been like this for the past three years and it will remain like this – if we don’t get a competition, then we always have to win.
“I think we as coaches dropped the players at the beginning of the season. We as coaches now have to work in the same way going forward as was the case in the past two weeks.”
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