Morning Webmonster, minions, and my fellow Cheetah supporters. Now that we have the ground forces sorted, lets focus on the guys, that have to do something with the “pill” that has been fought for tooth and nail. Now last year, the Cheetahs cut loose, and ran many a team ragged. Can they continue in similiar vein, and simultaneously close the “revolving door” that they dished up as their defence at times. To lose 7 matches, in last years Super 15, by 7 points or less, makes one wonder what could have been, had the defence been 20% better?

Today we look at the scrumhalf contenders. A position where the Cheetahs have had some colourful characters. Like Werner “Smiley” Swanepoel, and Michael Claasens.

The Contenders:

Petrus Erasmus (Piet) van Zyl:

D.O.B: 14 September 1989

Vital statistics: (H) 174 cm (W) 81 kg

His claim: Pretoria born, and a product of Grey Bloem, van Zyl threw his name into the Cheetahs Rugby hat in scintillating fashion during the 2011 Currie Cup. In tandem with another exciting youngster, Johan Goosen, they entertained us to no end. Shimlas in 2008, Cheetahs u/19 in 2008, Cheetahs u/21 in 2009, and then he took the Currie Cup scene by storm, with some neat breaks, crisp service, and some great running.

Strengths: Crisp and quick service to his flyhalf, he is a good defender, and clearly has no inhibitions to express himself, and to try things.

Weaknesses: Still new on the scene, we will watch with interest.

Bok Potential:  A new era has dawned with a legend in Fourie du Preez moving on. SA has had some great players in the 9 jersey, and the trend is set to continue. Craven, Divan Serfontein, Garth Wright, Joost vd Westhuizen, Robert du Preez, and of course Fourie du Preez. Hougaard is the earmarked successor, but van Zyl could, if his displays so far continue, challenge. Other contenders, are a dime a dozen, Hoffman, Mc Leod, Pretorius, Vermaak, and Rademan. Early days, but yes van Zyl is only 22, so he has a bright future.

Mattheus Johannes (Tewis) de Bruyn:

D.O.B: 05 August 1982

Vital statistics: (h) 174 cm (W) 86 kg

His claim:  Born in Hoopstad, Tewis made his debut for the Leopards u/21 in 2002, and played Vodacom Cup, and Currie Cup for them till he moved to the Eagles, and then Boland. He finally settled in Bloemfontein, where he has represented the Cheetahs at Currie Cup, and Super Rugby. He is a very versatile player, that has become a stalwart for the Cheetahs. Last year, when he was required to play at flyhalf vs the Griquas, with Riaan Viljoen at flyhalf, I was expecting the worst. He delivered a virtouso performance, and they slaughtered  the Griquas. 49 – 39.

Strengths: Clean pass, strong in the tackle, and very versatile. He is also an able place kicker.

Weaknesses: 30 years old, he is getting to the twilight of his career, but a very useful player to have as back-up.

Bok potential: Unlikely, but we have use for him lol.

Abraham Pieter Marnus Hugo:

D.O.B: 24 September 1986

Vital statistics: (H) 169 cm (W) 82 kg

His claim:  Paarl Gym product, he made his senior debut for the SA u/19, whilst at Natal. He then went to Boland, where he represented them at u/21, Vodacom Cup, and Currie Cup level from 2006 – 2009. In 2010 he moved to Griquas, and has already played Super rugby for the Cheetahs, and Currie Cup Rugby for Griquas.

Strengths:  Haven’t seen him play much. Help needed!

Weaknesses:  A tad short, but at scrum half, that can be forgiven lol.

Bok potential:  Given the size of international scrummies in the modern era, unlikely. But I haven’t seen enough to really judge.

Jacques Coetzee:

D.O.B: 22 October 1983

Vital Statistics: (H) 175 cm (W) 81 kg

His claim: Born in Bethal (Does Naas Botha ring a bell?) Jacques made his debut at the Lions in 2005 at u/21 level. He has been a regular starter at the Pumas, both at scrumhalf, and flyhalf.  He has played Super rugby in 2010 with the Lions, before moving to the Kings in 2011. He has since moved to Griquas.

Strengths: Good quick pass, and quite versatile, having played flyhalf occassionaly. Also a fair goal kicker.

Weaknesses:  None to my knowledge

Bok potential: Unlikely given he is already 29, and the quality of the contenders.

Wildcards:

Daniel Enrico Acker:

D.O.B: 23 September 1990

Vital statistics: (H) 174 cm (W) 80 kg

His claim: Starring for the Shimlas in the Varsity Cup, Ackers made his debut for SWD at the Grant Khomo week for u/16 in 2006, and also at u/18 in 2007. Since moving to Cheetah country in 2009, he has represented the Cheetahs at u/19, u/21, and Currie Cup level.

Pieter Jacobus Rademan:

D.O.B: 05 September 1991

Vital statistics: (H) 177 cm (W) 83 kg

His claim:  Another Grey College star, Pieter made his debut for the Cheetahs at the 2007 Grant Khomo week for u/16’s. He also represented and captained the Cheetahs at the 2009 Craven Week for u/18s. In the same year he captained the SA Schools team. He has played senior rugby for the Cheetahs in the u/19, u/21 and Vodacom Cup. In 2011 he was a star at the IRB Junior World Championship, playing 5 matches, and scoring 2 tries.

Strengths:  A quick service to his flyhalf, and a good leader, a bright future beckons.

Bok Potential: Only 20, and a Junior Bok, this young man has time to hone his skills. Maybe not in the next few years, but definately a prospect for the future.

My Picks:

Tewis should be back early in the tournament, and his experience will be vital. Piet van Zyl has shown his promise, and Naka has useful back up. Once again, if we dig a bit, the Cheetahs are well served in this vital position. Not many stand out stars, but again more than useful players. A nice blend of youth and experience.

The final squad should contain Tewis, van Zyl, and Coetzee, with Rademan, a young man to be groomed.

Let the debate begin!! The competition for the vacant Bok  9 jersey will be intense, maybe not so much this year but I think 2013 will see some hot competition.

Go Cheeeeeetahs!!!