The Toyota Cheetahs will place a strong emphasis on handling pressure moments far better when they return to Europe in early 2026 for the resumption of the EPCR Challenge Cup.

The Free Staters returned South Africa on Sunday licking their wounds after a bruising opening to their European campaign, which saw them suffer heavy defeats to Exeter Chiefs in England and Stade Français in Amsterdam in the first two rounds of the competition.

Speaking to OFM Sport after the defeat in the Dutch capital, head coach Frans Steyn admitted his side knew they would be punching above their weight, but stressed the need to learn how to grind harder when opportunities present themselves.