The Cheetahs have named an unchanged line-up for their Super Rugby Unlocked clash against the Bulls in Bloemfontein on Friday.
The only change Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie made to his team was on the bench, where Jacques du Toit came in for Louis van der Westhuizen as the new replacement hooker, which was a case of “horses for courses” according to Corniel van Zyl, assistant coach of the Cheetahs.
“We wanted some continuity as the players are still getting used to playing with each other and to match situations after the lockdown period, so it was an easy decision to keep the team unchanged,” said Van Zyl.
“The Bulls will bring different challenges (to the Pumas) and we’re expecting a very physical match – we will have to play as we did in the first half last weekend (when they led 41-3) for the full 80 minutes on Friday.
“A lot will depend on how our pack plays and hopefully we can dominate, but we’re expecting the same from the Bulls, and I’m convinced that if our forwards can lay a good foundation and secure the good ball for our backs, we can do what we need to.”
It will be a special occasion for Clayton Blommetjies, who will run out in his 100th match for the Cheetahs.
“Clayton has matured a lot in the last couple of years, he likes getting involved and is very good with ball in hand and it will be a very special occasion for him,” said Van Zyl.
Cheetahs team: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Malcolm Jaer, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Ruan Pienaar (captain), 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Junior Pokomela, 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Walt Steenkamp, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Luan de Bruin, 2 Reinach Venter, 1 Charles Marais.
Replacements: 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Erich de Jager, 19 JP du Preez, 20 Aidon Davis, 21 Chris Massyn, 22 Tian Meyer, 23 William Small-Smith.
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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