Millions in costs, no home: Why Challenge Cup playoffs would be Cheetahs' greatest underdog act

If the Cheetahs manage a "home" victory over Pau in Parma on Sunday evening to secure their passage to the playoffs of the European Challenge Cup, it would arguably represent the biggest underdog act pulled off by the central franchise in what's been three years bordering on rugby hell.

Since losing their place in the PRO14 in 2020 to make way for the Super Rugby franchises' entry into the URC, the Free Staters have faced many hurdles, ranging from a player exodus to a significant decrease in revenue streams because of their absence from an international competition.

It's little wonder this weekend's do-or-die clash feels like a proverbial date with destiny.

The Cheetahs surprised all and sundry with an excellent 21-16 opening victory against their French opponents back in December and produced an effort of rare guts and determination - without star veterans Frans Steyn and Ruan Pienaar - to fall agonisingly short in last week's 17-20 loss to the Scarlets.

"A win would really be treasured by all of us. It would be massive," said head coach Hawies Fourie.

"It was our objective from the outset to reach the playoff stages, even though we knew it was going to be difficult. We want to reach the top 16 because we want to help our union and franchise to make tangible progress again.

"We've been in a difficult position the last three years and this is an opportunity to show that we can and want to play international rugby. We're good enough to play at this level. We want to show that we belong."

Last year's announcement that the Cheetahs would be included in the continental tournament was met with huge cheers from the dedicated staff at the Free State Stadium, but reality soon set in.

Because they've been granted an invitation to the