The final two weeks of this year's Currie Cup captured the imagination but it has nothing to do with the changes that are likely to be introduced for next year's competition.Unlike this year's edition, next season's instalment looks set to hold more prominence on the domestic rugby calendar.This year's single round of league action was widely criticised as hopelessly inadequate but it would appear the tournament will carry a little more weight next season, albeit in a year in which the Rugby World Cup is contested.Though details of the new format are yet to be announced it is understood that the competition will feature a double round and teams are likely to be split into pools. The tournament is also likely to be brought forward (its climax).The team standing to gain most from the new time slot is the Cheetahs, who have had to compete on two fronts either side of the equator over the last two seasons. Though they did well to get into the knockout stages in their maiden assault on the Pro 14 last year, they, despite winning their first match last weekend, are well off the pace in the early stages of the current campaign.Having to spread their player base thin, they struggled in the Currie Cup as they failed to win any of their matches. They finished last on the points table and were forced into a promotion-relegation play-off against First Division conquerors the SWD Eagles. The Cheetahs, however, won that game but coach Franco Smith is looking forward to some breathing space next season.Smith was sanguine about the Cheetahs' prospects next season as the competitions are unlikely to overlap."From what I understand we will play in two pools. The Super Rugby franchises will compete in one pool which gives the whole thing a different look. The Pro 14 franchises will play in the other, so that will be us and the Kings, as well as Griquas and the Pumas."There will be a double round before we have the knockout stages and the final."It looks like we will start (the Currie Cup) on July 23 and finish on September 9. That hasn't been confirmed yet. "Because of the Rugby World Cup the Pro 14 will start around September 27. If it doesn't overlap it gives Free State rugby a genuine chance to compete."We saw against the Eagles we are nowhere near a full strength team. Some players are still finding their feet. At least we showed that we are streets ahead of what people think. "By the time we reach the end of Pro 14 I think our group of players will be more mature. Our approach in the Currie Cup will be a lot different," promised Smith.The Pro 14 climaxes on May 25 when the final is contested in Glasgow.Next year's Super Rugby competition kicks off on February 15, but South African teams only see combat the next day. The tournament will conclude on June 29. As for the Currie Cup, its shape for the 2019 season is yet to be officially unveiled but it is unlikely to rankle with as many as this year's instalment...