Cheetahs stars, Adriaan Strauss (ankle sprain), Johan Goosen (illness), and Lappies Labuschagne (hamstring) did not train yesterday, in preparation for Friday’s encounter versus the Waratahs. All three are expected to be fit to play.

Lappies underwent a scan, but there were no signs of damage. Replacement flyhalf Riaan Smit is still in doubt, also with a hamstring strain, which could open the door for Burton Francis to get the nod on the bench. Should Lappies not be ready, then Boom Prinsloo will replace him, it will however be a big blow to lose Lappies, who has been the Cheetahs standout forward thus far.

Naka is persisting with his conservative approach with Coenie Oosthuizen and Heinrich Brüssow, with both still expected to play off the bench. The setpieces have been solid, and it adds impetus to have players of the calibre of Brüssow and Oosthuizen coming on as impact players.

After their magnificent, and unexpected win, the Cheetahs will be confident going into their last two matches on tour against the struggling Waratahs in Sydney, and the Western Force in Perth respectively. If the Cheetahs maintain the same intensity against the two Australian teams, they could yet come home with three wins, which would equate to their most successful tour yet.