VIDEO: Discarded Stormer gets Cheetahs lifeline

NEWS: The Cheetahs dropped a sizeable bombshell by naming a Stormers player in their SA Cup starting line-up against Eastern Province.

Utility back Clayton Blommetjies has been selected at flyhalf in what is a crucial fixture for the Bloemfontein-based side in Round Four of the SA Cup.

Blommetjies played most of his senior rugby for the Cheetahs, before moving to the Cape in 2022 to replace Warrick Gelant – who departed the Stormers to join Racing 92.

The 34-year-old has had minimal game time with the Stormers this season.

His last outing was a missed kick at goal to win the United Rugby Championship match against the Bulls in Cape Town, with the hosts going down by a solitary point.

Blommetjies didn’t feature in the away matches against the Lions (loss) and the victory against the Bulls at Loftus.

He also missed out on selection in the Stormers’ touring squad to Wales and Ireland.

Cheetahs Director of Rugby Frans Steyn explained why they have ‘recalled’ Blommetjies’ to Bloemfontein.

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“I spoke to Dobbo [John Dobson] last night [Tuesday], and he [Clayton Blommetjies] is with us now,” Steyn said.

Steyn was vague when asked whether Blommetjies joined as a loan player or on a permanent deal.

“We’ll see as it goes,” Steyn added.

The double World Cup winner is banking on Blommetjies’ experience, after suffering tough losses in the SA Cup against Boland and the Pumas, respectively.

“[Experience was lacking] especially in the backs. We missed that sometimes.

“Even [in the loss] this past weekend, against the Pumas, and the match against Boland,” he said about the lack of experience.

“Maybe that’s a good fix. We’ll see on the weekend,” he concluded.

Video credit: @Morgan Piek