Muller's sad final, Meyer's magic, and other unforgettable Cheetahs Currie Cup moments

In Mangaung

The Cheetahs have been a part of Currie Cup folklore, especially in the professional era, where they've always been seen to be the spare wheel behind the Bulls, Sharks, Lions and Western Province.

However, they’ve made sure they've provided their own Currie Cup drama that's made them unforgettable ahead of Saturday's showpiece game against the Pumas at the Free State Stadium.

Here are some moments from their memorable playoff matches in the professional era.

1997 Final: Western Province 14-12 Cheetahs – Helgard Muller's sad final

The mighty Western Province needed to win the final so that they could get back in the Super 12 the following year, from where they were amalgamated into the Stormers with Boland and South-Western Districts.

They did the hard yards of getting into the final and they faced an inspired and desperate Cheetahs side, who at the time, hadn't won the Currie Cup in 21 years.

Justin Swart scored for WP, but the Cheetahs stayed in the game through four Jannie de Beer penalties.

However, it was the veteran Helgard Muller who had a game to forget. The quality outside centre was nearing the end of a stellar career and only had a Currie Cup title missing from the CV.

It wasn't to be his day as he first was burned on the outside by Swart when WP scored, then threw the forward pass to Jan-Harm van Wyk, from where if the pass was straighter, the wing would've scored and won the game.

READ | A Cheetah spotted by chance: Schoolboy athlete-turned-Currie Cup captain Sekekete

Muller retired at the end of the 1999 season.

2004 Final: Blue Bulls 42-33 Cheetahs – Rassie Erasmus's broken finger and Tshepo Koakoali's flight

The Cheetahs needed a season and a bit to bounce back from their 43-29 home semi-final loss