Milestone for duo in Currie Cup semifinal

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Two Cheetahs will run out in their 50th game in the Currie Cup semifinal against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Gideon van der Merwe and Cohen Jasper are set to celebrate their 50th caps in this encounter.

Frans Steyn, the Director of Rugby at the Cheetahs, said last weekend’s performance against the Pumas, when his side won 41-14 in Nelspruit, must have a positive outcome.

“I believe that with the current group of guys if they decide they want to win and put their bodies on the line, there will always be a positive outcome. Even if we lose, people would still be proud of us. This past weekend, the team decided to give it their all, and I take my hat off to all the players,” said Steyn.

“What’s great about the performance is that it didn’t give anyone room to complain, like saying refereeing decisions didn’t work out. It was not a perfect performance but a massive step in the right direction.

“Looking at the stats, a lot of players performed well. Many players stepped up and showed they wanted to win this game, not just for themselves but for the team, especially for those not playing. Now it’s about preparing for this weekend and overcoming the next hurdle,” said captain Oupa Mohoje.

Article continues below…

“There’s a good history between the two teams, so everyone looks forward to the game. We know how important it is and certainly don’t take it for granted. We understand what it means for the people of the Free State.”

Frans continued, “I’ve said before that what’s more important to me right now is how we play on the pitch rather than just winning or losing.

“They are the favourites with a big team and are used to big moments.

“Our plan is to give our best on the day. I’m enjoying the tension and am confident that the guys here are giving their all every day. It will be tough, but we’re going in with the mindset of doing our best rather than feeling pressured to win. We’re prepared to face a tough challenge from the Lions and must deliver.”

Ali Mgijima is out due to an injury. Munier Hartzenberg moves from wing to outside centre, and Cohen Jasper wears the number 14 jersey. Friedle Olivier is back on the bench.

Cheetahs: 15 Michael Annies, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Evardi Boshoff, 11 Daniel Kasende, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Jandre Nel, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Corne Fourie, 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Replacements: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Friedle Olivier, 20 Aidon Davis, 21 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 22 George Lourens, 23 Litha Nkula

Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Date: Saturday, September 14
Time: 14.30 (12.30 GMT)
Referee: Christopher Allison