The Bloemfontein-based franchise used their powerful forward base to good effect as they won in Australia, a massive confidence-booster ahead of a gruelling season.

“This was most definitely a worthwhile experience,” said team manager Naka Drotske on Monday, adding, “The key is the boost of confidence the players got out of the win because in the past local teams have really struggled over there.”

Drotske reported that there were no serious injuries – a major plus this time of year. Prop Jannie du Plessis suffered a bump to his leg but this was not regarded as serious.

The Western Force will now travel to Melbourne and Auckland for away trial games against the Crusaders and Blues respectively.

The Cheetahs meanwhile will take on Benneton from Treviso Italy in Welkom at the North West Stadium, on Saturday.

The Italian club side was once home to Cheetahs support staff member and former Bok Franco Smith. Drotske said that he was confident that the Cheetahs have maximised their pre-season warm-ups and said that their departure from the norm of local teams playing each other would be beneficial.

“When most SA teams play each other it will always be very physical and they learn each others game plans, we wanted to avoid that,” he said.

The Cheetahs kick off their Super 14 campaign against the Bulls in Bloemfontein on February 10.