Ulster hope to keep their momentum going into Europe, following two impressive interprovincial victories against Connacht and Munster.
Richie Murphy's side showcased their exciting attacking flair in the opening round against Racing 92 at Affidea Stadium, winning by 61-7.
Round 2 saw a difficult narrow defeat on the road against Cardiff Rugby at Arms Park, with the Welsh side pulling off a second half comeback to win at the death.
Callum Sheedy's last second penalty won them the match at 29-26, leaving the province with two losing bonus points for their efforts.
With competition high for places, Ulster will be highly motivated as they look to get back to winning ways in Europe with a first-ever trip to Amsterdam for a fixture.
South African side, Toyota Cheetahs, have endured a difficult start to their Challenge Cup campaign with two defeats from the opening two rounds.
The Bloemfontein based side showed plenty of positives from their first half against Stade Francais in Round 2, leading 17-14 at the break before the French side launched an impressive second half comeback.
With former Ulster Rugby hero, Ruan Pienaar, coaching the Cheetahs backline, the former scrum-half will be well aware of the potent attacking displays from the province this season.
Match Details
🤝 Toyota Cheetahs v Ulster Rugby<br>
🗓 Sunday 11th January 2025, Kick Off 3.15pm
🏟 NRCA Stadium, Amsterdam<br>
🏆 EPCR Challenge Cup, Pool Stage, Round 3
Where to watch
Supporters can watch the match on EPCR.tv with the match kicking off at 3.15pm UK/IRL time. (Local time 4.15pm)
How things stand
Ulster sit in third position in Pool 3 after the opening two rounds, with 7 points on the board.
Toyota Cheetahs will be hoping to claim their first points of the Pool Stage.
Fixture Rewind
Toyota Cheetahs 39-39 Ulster Rugby, Guinness Pro 14, Round 4, September 2018
Billy Burns's clutch conversion in the 81st minute earned Ulster a thrilling 39-39 Pro 14 draw against the Cheetahs back in September 2018.
In the high altitude of Bloemfontein, Ulster battled to get a draw in tough conditions, with winger Henry Speight scoring a late try to narrow the scoreline before Burns nailed his pressure kick.
Current senior players in the matchday squad included David Shanahan who scored two tries on the day, Rob Herring, Eric O'Sullivan and Stuart McCloskey, with Nick Timoney and Tom O'Toole among the replacements.
Players to watch
Clayton Blommetjies
An experienced backline player for the Cheetahs who is capabale of playing at full-back or on the wing.
The 35 year-old has a mix of speed, experience and creative attacking play that make him a dangerous weapon in the Cheetahs backline.
Jaco van der Walt
Capped four times for Scotland, 31 year-old fly-half Jaco van der Walt will be remembered by Ulster supporters for his time at Edinburgh Rugby, where he made over 100 appearances and became a key component of the Scottish side's attack, scoring over 450 points during his six-year stint between 2017 and 2023.
His game is built around calm decision-making, accurate kicking and the ability to direct the attack — traits that make him a pivotal figure for the Cheetahs at No. 10.
Zander Du Plessis
25 year-old Du Plessis, is a multi-skilled back who lines up mainly at inside centre for the Toyota Cheetahs, though he’s also comfortable at fly-half and fullback.
Coaches and commentators praise his strong boot from hand and tactical awareness, qualities that add balance and depth to the Cheetahs’ backline play.
