Comeback king Cheetahs won't change their spots

Despite falling behind in several of their games, the Toyota Cheetahs have vowed not to change the way they play and will continue to play their expansive game in Saturday’s Currie Cup final against the Xerox Golden Lions.

The Cheetahs have produced some stunning comebacks in recent weeks, not the least coming back from 19-0 down against Western Province and also last week against the Sharks in the semifinal where they were down after halftime, but rallied to win easily.

And while things may not always go their way, coach Franco Smith is continuing his mantra of attacking rugby, even though normally in a final things are a lot closer.

“I don’t understand how some people watch rugby, what matters is what happens in the last few minutes, and not in the first few minutes. I’ve never seen a game where it was won at halftime, unless a massive fight broke out,” Smith said.

“No, there are always two halves in a game and both halves need to be played. A lot of people were happy when they led the Lions 19-0 at halftime and what did they get out of it. A lot of people were unhappy when we were 19-0 behind against Western Province and happy when we won. What is it that counts at the end of the day?”

Smith said he knows that whoever wins the final will need to play for 80 minutes and that is what he is coaching his side for.

“It will take a 80 minute effort from everyone involved. All coaches and players are striving towards that goal. Like the Lions, and everyone in this competition, we are all looking at a 80 minute performance. We don’t go behind on the scoreboard on purpose and never want to be behind on the scoreboard.

“But if we are behind it is not the end of the world.”

The Cheetahs will name their side for the final on Thursday.