The Cheetahs have made one change to their team to face the Hurricanes this weekend in Bloemfontein with Frans Viljoen coming into the starting line up.
Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske has been forced to change his starting team due
to injury and Frans Viljoen comes in to replace Lappies Labuschagne.
There is also one change to the bench as Sarel Pretorius comes on to the replacements
in place of Tewis de Bruyn.
The Cheetahs had the bye last week so they should not suffer from fatigue in
this match.
“Lappies has been a crucial player, not only in our own lineouts, but
also when it comes to contesting our opponents’ lineouts,” Drotske said
on Wednesday.
“He will be available next week, but for this game it is a big blow for
us.
“I do think that the inclusion of Frans will benefit us against a side
like the Hurricanes.
“His physical approach is what you need if you want to beat them.”
The Cheetahs enjoyed a bye last week and now find themselves second in the
SA conference, just two points behind the Bulls.
“We don’t have the luxury of a rotation policy because we don’t have as
much depth as some of the bigger unions,” Drotske said.
“The players that played the 10 games before the bye were basically the
same players, and I could sense against the Kings that the guys were tired.
“But with regards to intensity there is no excuse not to come back with
a bang against the Hurricanes.
“The next four games are crucial for us if we are to contest for a place
in the knockout stages ”
Cheetahs
Coenie Oosthuisen ,Adriaan Strauss (captain),Lourens Adriaanse, Lodewyk de Jager,Francois Uys,Heinrich Brussow, Frans Viljoen, Phillip van der Walt,Piet van Zyl, Burton Francis, Raymond Rhule, Robert Ebersohn,Johan Sadie, Willie le Roux, Hennie Daniller
Replacements: Ryno Barnes, Trevor Nyakane, Landman Ligtoring,Boom Prinsloo, Sarel Pretorius, Elgar Watts, Ryno Benjamin.
