Bloemfontein based Super Rugby franchise the Cheetahs have been able to bring back Francois Venter for this weekend’s match against the Sharks.
Venter has been side-lined due to injury through the first four rounds but returns to lead the Cheetahs on Saturday.
In the changes to the team that played last week the Cheetahs have brought in Ox Nche, Justin Basson, Raymond Rhule, Nico Lee, Francois Venter and Sergeal Petersen.
Johan Coetzee, Paul Schoeman, Shaun Venter and Fred Zeilinga move from the bench to the starting line-up.
Torsten van Jaarsveld will be starting on hooker while Elandré Huggett moves to the bench.
Henco Venter moves from flank to no.8, while Niell Jordaan moves to the bench.
Other players moving to the bench are Tom Botha, Tian Meyer, Niel Marais and Ryno Benjamin/Clinton Swart
“I’m excited to be back in the team. It was frustrating to be on the side-line, but I’m very proud of the team’s performance so far and I think that they’ve had a great start to the season.”
”I now have the responsibility to be as competitive as my teammates were from the start of the season,” said Francois Venter.
“The Sharks are a well-coached side and we expect a tough encounter.” said coach Franco Smith.
Cheetahs
Ox Nche, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Johan Coetzee, Justin Basson, Francois Uys, Paul Schoeman, Oupa Mohoje, Henco Venter, Shaun Venter, Fred Zeilinga, Raymond Rhule, Nico Lee, Francois Venter (c),Sergeal Petersen,Clayton Blommetjies,
Replacements : Elandré Huggett, Charles Marais, Tom Botha, Carl Wegner, Niell Jordaan, Tian Meyer, Niel Marais, Ryno Benjamin / Clinton Swart
