Coach Frans Steyn says the Cheetahs squandered a rare chance to make a statement on the European stage after collapsing against Stade Français in Amsterdam.
The Free Staters led the EPCR Challenge Cup clash 17-14 at half-time on Saturday, but a second-half surge from the French outfit turned promise into frustration as Stade Français ran out 45-22 winners at the NRCA Stadium.
“We had the chance to slaughter a giant today, and we didn’t. That is the most disappointing thing for me,” Steyn said.
The opening minutes after the break proved decisive. Two quick Stade Français tries flipped momentum instantly, and the Cheetahs were unable to regain control as errors crept in and pressure mounted.
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“If we had a few more moments like Jandré Nel’s try, it would have been fun, but at the moment it is not fun,” Steyn said.
“We had it, and at some point, we need to switch on and start delivering proper performances because at the moment we are not proving a point to anybody.”
The loss leaves the Cheetahs with two defeats from two pool matches, placing their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy with two games remaining against Ulster (Amsterdam, 11 January) and Racing 92 (away, 18 January).
Steyn made it clear the performance would not be brushed aside.
“I don’t think we are going to hit the reset button. I think we are going to think about this one for a while,” he said.
“I am going to play this one over and over so that we try not to make the same mistakes when we get back here. I think we have a great side and everybody has their strengths and weaknesses, and we need to play more to that.”
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The absence of injured captain Victor Sekekete was felt, but Steyn insisted leadership gaps could not be an excuse.
“We continuously put ourselves under pressure. We have to handle those things better and be better,” he said. “We definitely missed Victor, but we are all paid to do a job. When one goes down, the other one needs to step up.
“I am obviously frustrated with the result. Only after watching the video will one get a better idea.”
Photo: Nick Elliott/INPHO
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