A superb performance from the Toyota Cheetahs this past weekend not only saved their blushes but helped the side stave off some harsh financial implications by qualifying for the Currie Cup.
Their 32-31 nail-biting win over Suzuki Griquas was enough to power them into the semifinals of the SA Cup and qualify for the Currie Cup - the top four sides in the competition qualify automatically for the showpiece domestic competition.
The Cheetahs win was a hammer blow for Dotsure SWD Eagles, coached by former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer, who had made some incredible inroads in the competition, but were beaten on points difference by the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers, who qualified in fourth.
Griquas, who were unbeaten until Friday night, topped the log, while the Airlink Pumas were the other side that qualified for the Currie Cup.
Free State coach Frans Steyn acknowledged afterwards the harsh reality that a loss would have brought - especially in terms of sponsorship and television revenue for the Bloemfontein side.
“The players probably saved my arse. Thank you,” Steyn said afterwards. “We were very happy towards the end, but you could see what it meant for the players.
“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.”
Steyn said the pressure on the side was immense.
“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.”
The dramatic end to the league section means the Cheetahs will head to Nelspruit this weekend for the second semifinal against the Pumas, while Griquas will host Boland in the early game.
Weekend results
Border 12 Valke 50
Sanlam Boland Kavaliers 85 Eastern Province 29
Dotsure SWD Eagles 69 Leopards 19
Airlink Pumas 61 Griffons 12
Toyota Cheetahs 32 Suzuki Griquas 31
Semifinal fixtures
Saturday
Suzuki Griquas v Sanlam Boland Kavaliers (1pm)
Airlink Pumas v Toyota Cheetahs (6pm)