Much needed good news for Cheetahs fans came from the Cheetahs camp, following the shock retirement of star bok flanker Juan Smith. Coenie Osthuizen, who has been recovering from back and neck injuries, was cleared for scrummaging sessions and came through unscathed. Furthermore, flyhalf sensation Johan Goosen has also been cleared to start after receiving treatment for a troublesome heel. Word is that he could have played against the Bulls but the coaches opted to rather rest him.
This will hearten Cheetahs supporters, who were still shell shocked after JuanSmith’s shock retirement. The country as a whole were all looking forward to the big man’s contribution. The plaudits have been streaming in from the world over. The scrums sans Coenie have been a bit suspect and Naka will be crossing all fingers that he remains fit. The loss of Juan is significant, as even after a two year absence, the physicality he brought in his two short stints showed the value of the man to the Cheetahs. Frans Viljoen, though able cover, is not Juan Smith. He will now be vital to the Cheetahs campaign. No replacement flanker has been drafted in and Naka Drotske still believes his depth in the squad is better than ever before.
Good morning Cheetah, this will be good news for you Cheetah fans, only question is will they be match fit and last a whole game or do they start and come off early in 2nd half, I guess they are too valuable to have on the bench and only brought on later?
The biggest issue for me is will both last?
Both briliant players, young but prone to injuries
I really hope they are properly fit, they are unlikely to beat the Sharks so it would be a shame if they get hurt again, as the Cheetahs could do with them being properly ready.
@ Bullscot:
Hey Bully, they will need to start no doubt, and with both on the field, the Cheetahs team will be the better for it.
@ Stormersboy:
Really? And why are we unlikely to beat the Sharks? It’s a home game for us. How come the WP can beat the Sharks, but we seem to have no chance? Last year in the CC we were leading them comfortably till Brüssow went off, and that was without Goosen, Coenie or Strauss playing.
You are being a bit presumptious here boet! We have as good a chance of beating the Sharks at home as any.
Given that Juan has retired, I reckon we can be pretty sure of the Cheetahs line up versus the Sharks. The Sharks team is yet unknown, as we don’t know who Plum will select as his locks and flanks. Daniels is out for at least 6 weeks. Alberts shoulder) and Coetzee took a knock vs Leopards)have niggles, and are unlikely to play vs the Pumas on Friday.
So it’s a brave call to make, before you even know how the teams will line up.
Cheetahs likely team:
Nyakane, Strauss, Coenie, Lood, Uys, Viljoen, Lappies, vd Walt, van Zyl, Goosen, Rhule, Ebersohn, Sadie, Benjamin, Le Roux.
Replacements: Adriaanse, Barnes, Landman, Bomm/Raubenheimer, Sarel, Watts, Daniller, Graaff.
With players like Coernie and Goosen you do have a chance, and not only for this game
Without individual brilliance in my opinion the Cheethas are not there just yet, altough gearing towards a more complete team
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