Naka Drotske has been a busy man, during the midyear test window. After giving past stalwart Kabamba Floors a lifeline, he has now also given robust flanker Frans Viljoen a new opportunity at the Cheetahs for the Currie Cup.

Frans Viljoen has returned, and according to the Volksblad, he missed last year’s Currie Cup, and the level of competition in South Africa. This is a good signing by Naka, with the uncertainty around Juan Smith’s future after injuries.

Their are some promising youngsters coming through, like Lappies Labuschagne, Boom Prinsloo and Philip van der Walt, but a brusing flanker like Viljoen will give Naka the leeway to develop these players without extra pressure.

Viljoen can cover 7 and 8, and depending on how Heyneke Meyer sees Brussow’s test future, the Cheetahs can field a very strong loose trio combination in the Currie Cup. Viljoen will compete with Kabamba Floors, Heinrich Brussow, Lappies Labuschagne, Philip van der Walt and Boom Prinsloo for a place. Of course Ashley Johnson will be leaving the Cheetahs after the Super Rugby season.