‘So why the optimism?’ you may ask. Well for the simple reason that injury has given the Cheetahs the slightest chance. Not a chance for an unlikely victory. A chance for a dignified defeat, rather. The ‘Canes have lost three centres in Conrad Smith, Tamati Ellison and Jason Kawau to injury, forcing coach Colin Cooper to look to his wider training group for relief. This will be news to the ears of Naka Drotske, as his backline has largely battled to set the completion alight (besides wings Nokwe and Mapoe). Returning from a broken leg, 21 year-old outside centre Robert Ebersohn will also be relived to be opposing a relative unknown, rather than the highly intelligent All Black regular, Conrad Smith.

The Hurricanes are the perennial underachievers in the Land of the Long White Cloud; a group of rough diamonds that have never delivered in the present, but always promised much for the future. The future is now and the undisciplined hauteur that was prominent in the likes of Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Piri Weepu should be no more. These seasoned professionals can no longer use youthful exuberance as an excuse for ill-discipline and lapses in defensive concentration.

So what of the Cheetahs chances? If it were a provincial matchup of Free State v Wellington, the men from Bloemfontein would likely have the upper hand; but the mentality of the Cheetahs in the Super 14 is one of a small team who often don’t see themselves deserving of being on the same field as the likes of the Crusaders or the Brumbies. In the regional competition at hand, they don’t see themselves as any sort of contender.

But perhaps their distilled expectations will provide for a greater spectacle of running rugby (the matchup between the two sets of wings will be enough for the price of admission alone). The manner in which the two sides throw the ball around is conducive to leaking tries and both have game breakers to take advantage of any scraps on offer.

Whilst the new law variations have largely nullified fetchers such as Heinrich Brussow, ball carriers such as Juan Smith have thrived. Smith will do well to stay clear of the second channel however, as Ma’a Nonu will gladly meet any physical challenge presented to him. Nonu will be up for this game, as he always is against South African opposition. Whilst Australians constantly complain of physicality, there remains a mutual respect between South Africans and New Zealanders in this facet of the game.

Another head-to-head worth keeping any eye on is that between Frans Viljoen and Rodney So’oialo. Should Viljoen leave the field with his ever-improving reputation intact, there could be calls for his springbok selection in place of the out of form Ryan Kankowski.

Expect the Cheetahs to hold their own for sixty-five minutes, after which the floodgates are likely to open.

PLAYER TO WATCH: If Hurricanes fullback Corey Jane builds a head of steam, very few defenders have the ability to stop him.