From rugby365

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:13

Two of the Cheetahs’ most promising youngsters, prop Coenie Oosthuizen and centre Robert Ebersohn have both signed long-term deals with the Free State Rugby Union.

The pair have received numerous offers from other unions and their signing is a major boost for the Cheetahs who in the past have seen the back of many up-and-coming youngsters.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske’s policy of giving young players the chance to play appears to have been the key factors in persuading the duo to stay in Bloemfontein.

Drotske admitted that Oosthuizen’s decision to remain with the Cheetah means that he will soon consider playing four props in his matchday 22 .

“Against the Leopards Coenie aggressively cleared the rucks 32 times,” Drotske told Volksblad.

“He also handled the ball more than any of the players and his scrumming was excellent.

“With Os du Randt in the camp and the fact that other teams’ defensive lines are so good you need strong and big players to take you over the advantage line. A prop factor is therefore a possibility.”

Three changes for Cheetahs

rugby365

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:46

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske has made three changes to the starting line-up to face Boland in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

JW Jonker, who impressed during the Cheetahs’ 71-17 rout against the Leopards last weekend, makes way for Sevens Bok Phillip Snyman in the No.13 shirt in the only change in the backline. However Corné Uys, who missed last week’s clash due to flu, has been named on the bench.

Up front, Kabamba Floors slots in at the side of the scrum in place of Francois Uys, who hurt his knee during Tuesday’s training session. Uys is likely to be sidelined for up to eight weeks. Lock David de Villiers returns to partner Nico Breedt in the second row with Izak van der Westhuizen shifting to the bench.

Free State Under 21 flank Chris Dry could make his debut for the Cheetahs after being named on the bench while Ashley Johnson takes Richardt Strauss’ place among the reserves. Strauss has been given leave by the Cheetahs to discuss a possible move to Irish club Leinster.

Free State Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Danwel Demas, 13 Philip Snyman, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 9 JP Joubert, 8 Frans Viljoen, 7 Kabamba Floors, 6 Johan Wessels, 5 David de Villiers, 4 Nico Breedt, 3, WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Replacements: 16 Ashley Johnson, 17 Jean Botha, 18 Izak van der Westhuizen, 19 Chris Dry, 20 Tertius Carse, 21 Louis Strydom, 22 Corne Uys.

Date: Saturday, August 22
Venue: Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Pro Legoete
Assistant Referees: Gareth Lloyd-Jones, Peet Badenhorst