Cheetahs to tackle the Sharks in Durban
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Lappies Labuschagne during the Toyota Free State Cheetahs training. Photo by Morgan Piek /Rugby15.
Morgan Piek – The Toyota Free State Cheetahs has been forced to make a few changes after their away win against the GWK Griquas this past weekend. Johan Goosen has been called up for National duty with the Springboks in preparation for their away leg of The Rugby Championship in Australia and New Zealand next weekend and the following. Goosens’ call-up has long been anticipated, but it follows after just 50 minutes of game time since returning from a lengthy injury. Johan Goosen departs today for join the Bok squad.
The call-up of the flamboyant young flyhalf leaves Naka Drotské with a headache in the flyhalf department after Riaan Smit got injured against the Blue Bulls and is expected to be out for at least another five weeks. This leaves Sias Ebersohn as the only remaining flyhalf in the squad. Tewis du Bruyn will be playing off the bench as we’re become well accustomed to, but can easily slot in the flyhalf role should it be required. He is no stranger to the number ten jersey and has actually performed well for the Free State in the position in the past. Du Bruyn has an educated kicking foot and can take shots on goal as well.
The big winger Nico Scheepers himself is an accomplished set kicker and can take penalties and conversions too. Scheepers starts the game in the place of Rayno Benjamin who has been shifted to the bench.
In the forwards department Schalk van der Merwe starts at loosehead in the absence of Trevor Nyakane, who has been sidelined for the remainder of the season after breaking his thumb against the GWK Griquas. Ross Geldenhuys comes onto the bench.
Waltie Vermeulen returns to the match day twenty-two after fellow lock Francois Uys copped up a two match suspension for foul play against the Griqaus.
The Sharks are despite having been convincingly thumped by the Blue Bulls last weekend and a very dangerous side, more so at the “Shark Tank”. The Sharks will have a lot to prove against the Cheetahs after their loss last weekend which many considered to be a shock. What better way than to beat the only team to pickup victory against the side that thumped you?
The men from Durban themselves are currently experiencing a lot of problems in depth as a huge chunk of their squad is currently involved with National duty at the moment. With Bismarck du Plessis sidelined and Craig Burden involved at the Springboks, they have acquired the services of former Western Province and Stormers hooker, 34 year old Peter Dixon for the remainder of the season. Dixon himself won’t be unfamiliar with Natal considering the fact that he in fact is a Maritzburg College old boy.
If the Cheetahs stick to what they do best, Running Rugby, they will ensure that it’s a very difficult day at the office for the “Banana-Boys”
The Toyota Free State Cheetahs team is as follows:
15. Hennie Daniller, 14. Nico Scheepers, 13. Robert Ebersohn (Captain), 12. Barry Geel, 11. Raymond Rhule, 10. Sias Ebersohn, 9. Sarel Pretorius, 8. Kabama Floors, 7. Lappies Labuschagne, 6. Frans Viljoen, 5. Izak van der Westhuizen, 4. Andries Ferreira, 3. Marcel van der Merwe, 2. Hercu Liebenberg, 1. Schalk van der Merwe.
Replacements:
16. Elandré Huggert, 17. Ross Geldenhuys, 18. Waltie Vermeulen, 19. Davon Raubenheimer, 20. Tewis du Bruyn, 21. Rayno Benjamin, 22. Phillip Snyman.
The match kicks-off at 17:05 CAT.
Saturday, 1 September.
Mr. Price Kings’ Park, Durban,
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