Playing in Europe will not present the free-running Cheetahs with an ideological challenge. On the contrary, says director of rugby Franco Smith, a lot of their current blueprint is tailored to a pragmatic approach.
Smith of course was referring to the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings' entry into the Pro12 competition this season, but he could not mention the P-word as their participation is yet to be rubber-stamped.
In the absence of a mandate, Smith had to somewhat skirt the issue while announcing that Toyota were going to bankroll the Cheetahs Academy.
Still, when pressed on the elephant in the room, Smith dropped the charade and gave a glimpse of what life might be like for the Cheetahs against teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy.
The usually attack-minded Cheetahs, he insists, would not have to reinvent themselves to be competitive in conditions which they will find foreign in every sense.
"I play to win," he reminded. "I've coached there for six years. I know the conditions, and there will have to be a fair amount of adapting.
"My goal here from the outset was to mix my experience in the northern hemisphere with what I know about the southern hemisphere.
"I think, mostly, it is about game management. I think it will be to our benefit to play the game that we are used to at home. I think we have an edge in terms of our attack, but it will be our emphasis to improve our defence."
The virtues of a solid scrum, lineout and resultant driving maul are not lost on Smith. "I think if people analyse us they will find that we already play with a mixture of what happens in the north and the south. Mauling is already a big part of what we do.
"Our scrum coach Daan Human played for Toulouse in the Heineken Cup. He will know what is required in that facet."
Smith concedes, however, that his team will have to adapt, particularly the kicking department. He pointed out, however, that in the six years he coached in Europe "it rained no more than on four match days a year".
With the competition traditionally set to start in September, the Cheetahs will potentially be challenged by climatic extremes.
"It hardly rains in Bloem so the surface here is hard and when we go over there it is going to be much softer. Although there are quite a few synthetic pitches around as well."
Smith scoffed at suggestions that having been booted from Super Rugby, the Cheetahs now had to settle for an inferior competition. "I completely disagree, especially after the performance the (British and Irish) Lions put up against the All Blacks.
"We aren't unhappy about playing there. I think initially the issue for us was the uncertainty, and not so much being thrown out of Super Rugby.
"I believe playing in Europe won't just benefit the Cheetahs, but also SA rugby. I think test match rugby is similar to what happens up north. Less opportunity (to score), less space.
"I also think us playing over there will only ignite greater local interest in the global game."
In order to perform his duties as Springbok backline coach, Smith has had to give up the coaching reins at the Cheetahs, but he will miss the hands-on engagement. "My heart is a little sore. The Cheetahs have given me the opportunity to broaden my coaching career."
He said it was always his dream to develop players at all levels and to help nurture coaches. As always for the Cheetahs, fast-traking young players will be key.
delcarmel@sundaytimes.co.za..