Writing in The Times, Stuart Barnes warns the Lions not to underestimate the challenge posed by the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
"So much for the likely new Lions. What about the smaller game cat, the Cheetah? Bottom in the Super 14 but they played some good rugby in the latter stages, notably a fine home win against the Crusaders and a determined effort in a 29-20 defeat by the Blue Bulls that was probably better than they played any time this season.
"This is proud rugby territory and the Lions will need to be sharp not to let the Cheetahs undo much of Wednesday night’s excellent work. Paul O’ Connell’s leadership could do with reaching the heights of Brian O'Driscoll's, his Irish captain. He should also be forced to perform near his best such was the strength of Nathan Hines and Alun Wyn Jones’s performances.
"Preparing to face the Lions is the unluckiest rugby player in South Africa. The open side, Heinrich Brussow, has been omitted from the Springbok squad of 28 even though there is no other open side bar Schalk Burger. Brussow will be determined to make a fool of his national coach by causing the Lions back row all manner of problems. Behind the scrum watch out for the pace of Danwel Demas on the wing and the strength of Hennie Daniller from full back. It is a big day for the Free State and one can only hope the stadium fills up as the others have not thus far. The Lions did their bit to increase the tour excitement by scoring 74 points. Let us hope the partisan home crowd arrive in their thousands to give us a game with atmosphere and quality."
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