The Cheetahs have assembled some real speed merchants in their wider training squad, and the competition will be fierce for starting spots. With players like Piet van Zyl, Johan Goosen, Robert Ebersohn and Johann Sadie, one can expect the pace men to get plenty of opportunity to stretch the hamstrings.

 

 

 

The Wing Contenders:

 

Rayno Shannon Benjamin:

Age: 29 years – 03 August 1983

Vital Statistics: (H) 187 cm (W) 89 kg

Born in Vredenburg, Rayno made his provincial debut for Boland in 2004, and played Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup rugby for them till the end of 2006. In 2006 he started his Springbok Sevens career, and was soon a regular feature in the Springbok Sevens Squad. He made his Super Rugby debut in 2006. Benjamin has been prolific try scorer for the Springbok Sevens team as well as for his provincial teams.

 

 

Rugby Career:

• 2004 – Boland Cavaliers(Vodacom Shield), Cavaliers (ABSA Currie Cup First Division).
• 2005 – Boland Cavaliers(Vodacom Cup), Boland Cavaliers (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division).
• 2006 – Fidentia Boland Cavaliers (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Vodacom Stormers (Vodacom Super 14), Springbok Sevens (IRB Sevens Series).
• 2007 – Golden Lions (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Vodacom Cheetahs (Vodacom Super 14), Springbok Sevens (IRB Sevens Series).
• 2008 – Xerox Lions (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Auto & General Lions (Vodacom Super 14), Springbok Sevens (IRB Sevens Series).
• 2009 – Southern Kings (British & Irish Lions Tour), Springbok Sevens (IRB Sevens Series & IRB Men’s Rugby World Cup Sevens).
• 2011 – Toyota Free State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Toyota Cheetahs  (Vodacom Super15).
• 2012 – Toyota Free State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Toyota Cheetahs  (Vodacom Super15).

 

Jan Hendrik (Jannie) Boshoff:

Age: 27 years – 13 January 1986

Vital Statistics: (H) 178 cm (W) 87 kg

Born in Newcastle, Jannie attended Maritzburg College, and represented Kwazulu Natal, at the 2004 Under 18 Craven Week. He made his senior provincial debut with the Golden Lions, and has played at all levels for the Lions. He made his Super Rugby debut in 2007.

 

 

Rugby Career:

• 2004 – Kwazulu Natal (Coac Cola u/18 Craven week).
• 2005 – Golden Lions (SA u/19’s).
• 2006 – Golden Lions ABSA u/21 Competition), Lions (Vodacom Cup).
• 2007 – Golden Lions (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Lions (Vodacom Super 14).
• 2008 – Xerox Lions (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Auto & General Lions (Vodacom Super 14).
• 2009 – Golden Lions (Vodacom Cup), Xerox Lions (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Auto & General Lions (Vodacom Super 14), Xerox Golden Lions (British & Irish Lions Tour).
• 2010 – Golden Lions (Vodacom Cup), Xerox Lions (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Auto & General Lions (Vodacom Super 14).
• 2011 – MTN Golden Lions (Vodacom Cup), MTN Golden Lions (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), MTN Lions (Vodacom Super 15).
• 2012 – GWK Griquas (Vodacom Cup), GWK Griquas (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division).

 

 

Cameron Luciano Jacobs:

Age: 27 years – 31 October 1989

Vital Statistics: (H) 178 cm (W) 86 kg

Born in Port Elizebeth, Cameron attended Framesby High and represented Eeastern Province at school level and Under 19 level, before moving to Bloemfontein to study. In 2008 and 2009 he made the SA Students team. He has also represented the Cheetahs at all levels,  making his Super Rugby debut in 2012.

 

 

Rugby Career:

• 2005 – Eastern Province (Coca Cola Grant Khomo u/16 Week).
• 2006 – Eastern Province (Coca Cola Craven u/18 Week).
• 2007 – Eastern Province (Coca Cola Craven u/18 Week), BA Mighty Elephants (ABSA u/19 Competition).
• 2008 – Shimlas (FNB Varsity Cup), Free State (ABSA u/19 Competition) South Africa (SA Students).
• 2009 – Shimlas (FNB Varsity Cup), Free State (ABSA u/21 Competition), South Africa (SA Students).
• 2010 – Free State (ABSA u/21 Competition).
• 2011 – Shimlas (FNB Varsity Cup), Toyota Free State Cheetahs (Vodacom Cup), Tasol Solar Griffons (ABSA Currie Cup First Division), Toyota Free State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division).
• 2012 – Shimlas (FNB Varsity Cup), Toyota Free State XV (Vodacom Cup), Tasol Solar Griffons (ABSA Currie Cup First Division), Toyota Free State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Toyota Cheetahs (Vodacom Super 15).

 

 

Rocco Reginald Jansen:

Age: 26 years – 21 July 1986

Vital Statistics: (H) 179 cm (W) 91 kg

Born in Queenstown, Rocco attended Queens College and made his provincial debut for the Leopards 2005. In 2007 he signed with the Bulls. In 2008 he also made the Emerging Springbok team, which played in the IRB Cup of Nations. After a brief stint with the Eeastern Province Mighty Elephants, Rocco signed with Griquas, and made his Super Rugby debut for the Cheetahs in 2012.

Rocco is a powerful runner, and a great finisher. Given a sniff of space, he will punish you. He was only 1 try behind the top try scorer of the Currie Cup, Raymond Rhule, with 7 touchdowns.

 

 

Rugby Career:

• 2005 – Impalas (Provincial Amateur Competition) Leopards (SA u/19’s).
• 2006 – Leopards (ABSA u/21 Competition), Leopards (Inter-Provincial Sevens Competition).
• 2007 – Vodacom Blue Bulls  (Vodacom Cup), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA u/21 Competition), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division).
• 2008 – Vodacom Blue Bulls  (Vodacom Cup), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Emerging Springboks (IRB Nations Cup).
• 2009 – Blue Bulls  (Vodacom Cup), Mighty Elephants (ABSA Currie Cup First Division), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division).
• 2010 – Griquas (Vodacom Cup), GWK Griquas (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division).
• 2011 – Griquas (Vodacom Cup), GWK Griquas (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division).
• 2012 – Griquas (Vodacom Cup), GWK Griquas (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Toyota Cheetahs (Vodacom Super 15).

 

 

Dusty Clint Noble:

Age: 29 years – 30 April 1984

Vital Statistics: (H) 184 cm (W) 90 kg

Born in Stellenbosch, Dusty made his provincial debut in 2002 for the Mpumalanga Under 19’s. He played provincial rugby for the Leopards, Sharks and Lions.  He made his Super Rugby debut in 2006. He has also represented the Springbok Sevens on numerous occasions. In 2011 he moved to GWK Griquas and has played Super Rugby for the Cheetahs.

 

 

Rugby Career:

• 2002 – Mpumalanga ( u/19 Competition).
• 2003 – Leopards (ABSA u/20 Competition).
• 2004 – Leopards (ABSA u/20 Competition).
• 2005 – Natal (ABSA u/21 Competition), The Sharks (ABSA Currie Cup Qualifier).
• 2006 – Jaguars RC (Fidentia Club Championships), Natal (ABSA u/21 Competition), Wildebeest (Vodacom Cup),  The Sharks (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division) The Sharks (Vodacom Super 14), Springbok Sevens (IRB Sevens Series).
• 2007 – Wildebeest (Vodacom Cup),  The Sharks (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division) The Sharks (Vodacom Super 14), Springbok Sevens (IRB Sevens Series).
• 2008 – Xerox Lions (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Auto & General Lions (Vodacom Super 14).
• 2009 – Golden Lions (Vodacom Cup), Xerox Lions (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Auto & General Lions (Vodacom Super 14), Xerox Golden Lions (British & Irish Lions Tour).
• 2010 –  Auto & General Lions (Vodacom Super 14).
• 2011 – MTN Golden Lions (Vodacom Cup), GWK Griquas (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division).
• 2012 – Griquas (Vodacom Cup), GWK Griquas (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Toyota Cheetahs (Vodacom Super 15).

 

 

Jongikhaya Lutric (Jongi) Nokwe:

Age: 31 years – 30 December 1981

Vital Statistics: (H) 186 cm (W) 90 kg

Born in Ngxalawe, Ciskei, Jongi ironically made a name as a Sevens Springbok in 2002. He then played Vodacom and Currie Cup rugby for Boland until 2007, when he signed for the Cheetahs. In 2004 he toured with the Springboks to the British Isles, but only made his Springbok debut in 2008. He made his Super Rugby debut for the Stormers in 2006. A serious knee injury in 2010 threw his career a curveball and he has battled to regain the form that saw him score 4 tries against the Wallabies in a Test match. If he can regain his form, he is a finisher of note and will add depth.

 

Rugby Career:

• 2002 – Springbok Sevens (IRB Sevens Series).
• 2003 – Boland (Vodacom Cup), Boland Cavaliers (ABSA Currie Cup First Division), Springbok Sevens (IRB Sevens).
• 2004 – Boland Cavaliers (Vodacom Shield), Cavaliers (ABSA Currie Cup First Division), Springboks (Vodacom Outgoing Tours), Springbok Sevens(Emirates Airline George Rugby Sevens).
• 2005 – Boland Cavaliers (Vodacom Shield), Boland Cavaliers (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division).
• 2006 – Fidentia Boland Cavaliers (Vodacom Cup), Fidentia Boland Cavaliers (ABSA Currie Cup First Division), Vodacom Stormers (Vodacom Super 14), Springboks (Vodacom Outgoing Tour).
• 2007 -Boland Cavaliers (Vodacom Cup), Boland Cavaliers (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division).
• 2008 – Free State (Vodacom Cup), Vodacom Free State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Vodacom Cheetahs (Vodacom Super 14), Springboks (Vodacom Incoming & Outgoing Tour), Springboks (Vodacom Tri-Nations).
• 2009 – Vodacom Free State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Vodacom Cheetahs (Vodacom Super 14), Springboks (Vodacom Outgoing Tour), Springboks (British & Irish Lions Tour).
• 2010 – Vodacom Free State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Vodacom Cheetahs (Vodacom Super 14).
• 2011 – Tasol Solar Griffons (ABSA Currie Cup First Division), Toyota Free State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division).
• 2012 – EP Kings (Vodacom Cup) EP Kings  (ABSA Currie Cup First Division).

 

 

Raymond Kofi Rhule:

Age: 31 years – 06 November 1992

Vital Statistics: (H) 178 cm (W) 78 kg

Born in Accra, Ghana, Rhule went to Louis Botha High in Bloemfontein. He sure has enjoyed a meteoric rise since starring for the Junior Springboks as a replacement. He has represented the Free State at school and provincial level, bar Super Rugby. Given his performances in the Currie Cup, he is sure to make his debut in Super Rugby soon. He made a massive impact in the Junior World Championships as a replacement for Paul Jordaan. His electric pace, strong running, stepping off both feet and his spatial awareness makes him a strike weapon of note. He earned himself a call up to the Springbok squad on the End of Year Tour, to gain exposure of the Springbok systems.

 

Rugby Career:

• 2009 – Free State (u/18 Academy Week).
• 2010 – Free State (u/18 Craven Week).
• 2011 – Free State (ABSA u/19 Competition).
• 2012 – Shimlas (FNB Varsity Cup), Toyota Free State XV (Vodacom Cup), Toyota Free State Cheetahs (ABSA u/21 Competition), Toyota Free State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Junior Springboks (IRB Junior World Championship), Springboks (Castle Outgoing Tour).

 

The Cheetahs have pace to burn out wide. To determine starting berths amongst this lot will be thumbsuck at best, as all have serious pace and talent. It will come down to current form to cement a start. Raymond Rhule was sensational in 2012, Rayno Benjamin ever solid. Rocco Jansen was also in a rich vein of form for Griquas. We all know what a fit Jongi Nokwe brings to the table.

 

*************************************

Fullback Contenders:

Hendrik Joseph (Hennie) Daniller:

Age: 29 years – 05 April 1984

Vital Statistics: (H) 194 cm (W) 101 kg

Born in Cape Town, Hennie is a Paarl Gymnasium old boy. He represented Boland at the 2001 Under 18 Craven Week and WP in the 2002 Under 18 Craven Week. In the same year he played SA Schools against France and Wales. In 2003 he made his provincial debut for the Bulls Under 19 side and also made the Junior Springbok team which played in the IRB Under 19 World Championship. He made his Super Rugby debut in 2004 for the Bulls and then moved to Boland for 2005, before settling down at the Cheetahs. A solid player with a booming boot and his ability to tie in at least two defenders makes him a useful player on the counter. Daniller is also one of only a few players that have contested 3 consecutive Junior World Championships. He has been the 1st choice at the Cheetahs for a number of years, and will no doubt feature prominently.

 

Rugby Career:

• 2001 – Boland (u/18 Craven Week).
• 2002 – Western Province (u/18 Craven week), South Africa (SA Schools vs. England and France).
• 2003 – Blue Bulls (Vodacom Cup), Blue Bulls (ABSA u/20 A Section), Mobil Blue Bulls(ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Junior Springboks (IRB FIRA-AER u/19 World Championship).
• 2004 – Blue Bulls (Vodacom Cup), Blue Bulls (ABSA u/20 A Section), Mobil Blue Bulls (Vodacom Super 12), Junior Springboks (IRB u/21 World Championship).
• 2005 – Vodacom Blue Bulls (Vodacom Cup), Blue Bulls (ABSA u/21 A Section), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Junior Springboks (IRB u/21 World Championship).
• 2006 – Vodacom Blue Bulls (Vodacom Cup), Fidentia Boland Cavaliers (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division).
• 2007 –  Boland Cavaliers (Vodacom Cup), Boland Cavaliers (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division).
• 2008 – Griffons (ABSA Currie Cup First Division), Vodacom Free State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Vodacom Cheetahs (Vodacom Super 14).
• 2009 – GWK Griquas (Vodacom Cup), Vodacom Free State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Vodacom Cheetahs (Vodacom Super 14), Vodacom Free State Cheetahs (British & Irish Lions Tour).
• 2010 – Vodacom Free State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Vodacom Cheetahs (Vodacom Super 14).
• 2011 – Toyota Free State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Toyota Cheetahs (Vodacom Super 15).
• 2012 – Toyota Free State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Toyota Cheetahs (Vodacom Super 15).

 

Willem Jacobus (Willie) le Roux:

Age: 23 years – 18 August 1989

Vital Statistics: (H) 186 cm (W) 90 kg

Born in Stellenbosch, Willie attended Paul Roos Gymnasium. He represented the Western Province Academy team at the 2007 Under 18 Craven Week. He then represented the Boland at Under 21, Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup level, before exploding on the Super Rugby scene last year in the Super Rugby Competition. He will look to cement his place next year. An exciting and elusive runner, he was used mostly on the wing by the Cheetahs, but with the emergence of Raymond Rhule, he will likely shift back to fullback.

 

 

Rugby Career:

• 2007 – Western Province (u/18 Academy Week), Racing Metro (French Top 14).
• 2008 – Boland (ABSA u/21 Competition).
• 2010 – Boland Cavaliers (Vodacom Cup), Boland (ABSA Currie Cup First Division).
• 2011 – Boland Cavaliers (Vodacom Cup), Regent Boland Cavaliers (ABSA Currie Cup First Division).
• 2012 – GWK Griquas (Vodacom Cup), GWK Griquas (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Toyota Cheetahs (Vodacom Super 15).

 

 

 

Jacobus Nicolaas (Nico) Scheepers:

Age: 23 years – 27 February 1990

Vital Statistics: (H) 188 cm (W) 97 kg

Born in Port Elizabeth, this Nico Malan pupil represented the Eeastern Province Academy team at the 2008 Under 18 Academy Week. Studing at the University of Free State, he made his provincial debut for the Free State Under 19 team in 2009. In 2010 he represented the Junior Springboks at the IRB Junior World Championship. He has represented the Cheetahs at Under 21, Vodacom Cup, Currie Cup and made his Super Rugby debut in 2012. A reliable goal kicker, and no slouch, having played many matches as a wing.

 

 

Rugby Career:

• 2008 – Eastern Province (u/18 Academy Week).
• 2009 – Free State (ABSA u/19 Competition).
• 2010 – Free State (Vodacom Cup), Free State (ABSA u/21 Competition), Junior Springboks (IRB Junior World Championships).
• 2011 –  Toyota Free State Cheetahs (Vodacom Cup), Free State (ABSA u/21 Competition), Toyota Free State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division).
• 2012 – Shimlas (FNB Varsity Cup), Toyota Free State Cheetahs (Vodacom Cup), Toyota Free State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Toyota Cheetahs (Vodacom Super 15).

 

 

Adriaan Jacobus (Riaan) Smit:

Age: 29 years – 28 April 1984

Vital Statistics: (H) 178 cm (W) 85 kg

Born in Springs, Riaan also oddly nicknamed “True Blue” made his provincial debut for the Leopards in the 2004 Under 20 A Section Competition. He also played Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup rugby for the Leopards until 2007, when then signed for the Mica Pumas. After one season with them he was off to the Valke and then back to the Leopards before settling down at the Cheetahs in 2010. He had a particularly good 2012 season, even slotting in at flyhalf to replace the misfiring Sias Ebersohn.

 

 

Rugby Career:

• 2004 – Leopards (ABSA u/20 Competition Section A).
• 2005 – Leopards (ABSA u/21 Competition Section A).
• 2006 – PUK Rugby Institute (Fidentia National Club Championship), Impala Leopards (Vodacom Cup), Impala Leopards (ABSA Currie Cup First Division).
• 2007 – Witbank Mica Pumas (Vodacom Cup), Witbank Mica Pumas (ABSA Currie Cup First Division).
• 2008 – Valke (Vodacom Cup), Valke (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division).
• 2009 – Platinum Leopards (Vodacom Cup).
• 2010 – Free State (Vodacom Cup), Griffons (ABSA Currie Cup First Division), Vodacom c(ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division).
• 2011 – Toyota Fee State Cheetahs (Vodacom Cup), Toyota Fee State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup First Division), Toyota Cheetahs (Vodacom Super 15).
• 2012 – Toyota Fee State XV (Vodacom Cup), Toyota Fee State Cheetahs (ABSA Currie Cup First Division), Toyota Cheetahs (Vodacom Super 15).

 

All the above contenders have a fair shot a starting, with Willie le Roux and Hennie Daniller, probably the front runners. It all depends on whether Naka Drotske and Hawies Fourie see Willie le Roux as wing option or a fullback. Nico Scheepers is a reliable goal kicker, solid under the high ball, and has also done service at wing, which gives him great utility value. The same goes for Riaan Smit.

One thing for sure between the four there is ample cover at fullback, with Willie le Roux and Riaan Smit adding further depth at wing. Riaan Smit can also cover flyhalf should things really go pear shaped there.