Cheetahs aim high as they plot sensational return to SA for Crusaders

In a throwback to a few compelling Super Rugby clashes they've had at the Free Stadium, the Cheetahs hatched the lofty plan of getting the Crusaders to visit South African shores later this year.

The visit of the 10-time champions forms part of the central franchise's drive to organise a bigger and probably more competitive Toyota Challenge.

Last year's edition - a proactive step to mitigate the continued lack of international competition for the Free Staters - proved surprisingly successful as the Stormers and Sharks kept their URC fringe players match-fit while the inclusion of Baia Mare and Diables Barcelona from Romania and Spain respectively spread the gospel so to speak.

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"After some discussions, we are going to host two Challenges and we are going to bring some serious teams," said Ross van Reenen, the Cheetahs' CEO.

"We're talking about teams like the Crusaders, teams with serious pulling power. We're also in talks to bring one of Japan's top teams, Toyota Verblitz."

In keeping with the objective of rotating the local URC opposition they face, the franchise plans to invite the Bulls and Lions for 2022.

The thinking behind aiming higher this year is simple.

"The big thing for us is to really give our players [the opportunity] to play against international opposition," said Van Reenen.

"We've challenged a lot of local teams, so it would be nice to have variation. It's important to our future."

The reality is also that the planned Intercontinental Shield, talks which the Cheetahs launched with several other stakeholders last year, doesn't look like getting off the ground soon.

"I'm a realist. For me, it's not about 'We're going to