Bok gets pivotal role for Cheetahs against Pumas
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie has named his team for the Currie Cup Round 13 clash against the Pumas in Nelspruit.
Following Ruan Pienaar’s second-half at flyhalf on Wednesday, head coach Fourie has opted to start the Springboks veteran at flyhalf this weekend.
Pienaar, the team’s captain and regular scrumhalf, was moved to flyhalf at half-time after starting No.10 Reinhardt Fortuin pulled a hamstring during Wednesday’s 33-32 win over Griquas,
Pienaar’s move to flyhalf means that Tian Meyer will get a start a scrumhalf this Saturday.
The other change in the backline sees Duncan Saal return to the starting XV after an injury lay-off.
The former Maties wing replaces Craig Barry at wing.
Coach Hawies also rejigged the forwards.
Lock Rynier Bernardo joins the second row and forms a new partnership with Victor Sekekete.
While Mihlali Mosi, Aidon Davis and Junior Pokomela will be this Saturday’s loose trio.
Cheetahs: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Duncan Saal, 13 David Brits, 12 Siya Masuku, 11 Malcolm Jaer, 10 Ruan Pienaar (captain), 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Mihlali Mosi, 7 Aidon Davis, 6 Junior Pokomela, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Rynier Bernardo, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Marnus van der Merwe 1 Cameron Dawson
Replacements: 16 Louis van der Westhuizen, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Reinier Viljoen, 20 Andisa Ntsila, 21 Chris Smit, 22 Brandon Thomson, 23 Evardi Boshoff
Date: Saturday, August 21
Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Kick-off: 11.45 (09.45 GMT)
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron
Assistant Referees: Local appointments
TMO: Quinton Immelman
