Brüssow set for Durban battle

 

Brüssow will play in his first game in the competition since last season's playoff round in which the Brumbies beat the Cheetahs 15-13 in Canberra to advance to the semifinals.

 

The 20-cap Springbok has completed his recovery from the toe injury he suffered while playing for the Red Hurricanes in Japan earlier this year, which kept him on the sidelines for three months.

 

Brüssow started at eightman for the Free State Vodacom Cup side last week, in their 15-28 loss to Western Province in Cape Town and is now ready to step up a level.

 

According to the Volksblad, blindside flank Pieter Labuschagné has injured his groin and will miss the game, which could open up a spot in the side for Brüssow to fill.

 

The return of Brüssow would be a welcome boost for the Cheetahs in the loose forward department, who have already lost the services of eightman Philip van der Walt – who is out with a broken hand – and now Labuschagné too.

 

Flyhalf Johan Goosen was concussed in the 31-52 defeat at the hands of the Crusaders last week, so is unavailable for selection.

 

Prop Coenraad Oosthuizen also remains out of action as he continues to struggle with a neck injury,