South Africa’s two representatives in the EPCR Challenge Cup kick off their campaigns this weekend.

The in-form Lions host Benetton at Ellis Park on Saturday, with the Cheetahs heading to England for a daunting opener against the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on Sunday.

The Lions have momentum after their Vodacom URC victory over the Bulls at Loftus last weekend, while the Cheetahs prepared for the second-tier European tournament with two matches against Georgia’s Black Lion in Bloemfontein.

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There’s a growing sense of belief in the Free State. Speaking to OFM Sport before departure, captain Chucky van der Westhuizen said the squad had embraced Bloemfontein’s recent cold snap to prepare for conditions up north.

“We’ve been training with wet balls and trying to simulate the conditions we might face over there,” said Van der Westhuizen. “It won’t be exactly the same – it’s going to be colder and more challenging – but we’re doing everything we can to incorporate similar weather elements into our sessions.”

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The Cheetahs face two contrasting opponents in quick succession – Exeter on Sunday, then Stade Français in Amsterdam (the Cheetahs’ ‘home’ away from home) next weekend – something Van der Westhuizen believes will test their adaptability.

“Exeter play a fast, running brand of rugby, while the French sides are more physical and direct,” he explained. “It’s good for us to see where we can slot in and find the balance between those two styles.”

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Despite the tough schedule, the skipper insists the Cheetahs won’t travel with an inferiority complex.

“We have to believe in ourselves – we can’t go in with an underdog mindset. It’s all about playing our brand of rugby, no matter who the opposition is.”

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Exeter lock Dafydd Jenkins says the Chiefs are bracing for a physical test at Sandy Park.

“We’re really looking forward to the Challenge Cup and getting to kick off our campaign at home is really important to us,” Jenkins said. “We know it’s going to be an incredibly tough competition, but we want to carry over our Premiership form and push as far as we can.

“Playing at Sandy Park is a massive boost, and we’d love to give our fans an exciting performance in our opening match against the Cheetahs.”

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EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures (Round 1, SA times)
Friday, 5 December
Ulster vs Racing 92, 10pm
Saturday, 6 December
Lions vs Benetton, 3pm
Stade Francais vs Cardiff, 3pm
Black Lion vs Montpellier, 5:15pm
Lyon vs Newcastle Red Bulls, 7:30pm
Zebre Parma vs Montauban, 10pm
Sunday, 7 December
Perpignan vs Dragons, 3pm
Ospreys vs Connacht, 5:15pm
Exeter Chiefs vs Cheetahs, 7:30pm

Challenge Cup fixtures