Cheetahs rush their Boks back
Free State Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan wasted no time in rushing back all his available Springboks for the must-win Currie Cup encounter with the Golden Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Duncan named three returning Boks – flank Teboho Mohoje, lock Lodewyk de Jager and prop Trevor Nyakane – in his starting team.
Mohoje, De Jager and Nyakane were part of South Africa's Rugby Championship campaign.
However, because they are not contracted Boks, they are allowed to play in the Currie Cup competition.
The contracted Boks not available to the Cheetahs – by decree of the South African Rugby Union – are fullback Willie le Roux, wing Cornal Hendricks, prop Coenie Oosthuizen and hooker Adriaan Strauss.
Injuries have also forced some changes to the team for the trip[ top Johannesburg.
Sevens Bok Rayno Benjamin and midfielder Francois Venter are out on injury.
They have been replaced by Adriaan Coertzen and Phillipus du Plessis on the right wing and centre, respectively.
Pieter Labuschagne moves from flank to No.8, with Mohoje coming in at No.7.
De Jager takes over from Henco Venter at lock, with the latter dropping down to the replacement bench.
The third returning Bok, Nyakane, replaces George Marich in the front row – the latter also finding a spot on the bench.
The unavailability of Oosthuizen, as a result of his contract with SARU, means Caylib Oosthuizen starts at loosehead prop.
For the Cheetahs to make the semifinals, they must beat the Lions and hope the Blue Bulls lose at home to Griquas.
"We are very glad to have Teboho, Trevor and Lood back – as they bring a wealth of experience that will be needed against a strong side like the Lions," Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan said.
"It is going to be a tough game and we still have an outside chance for a spot in the semis. We will be throwing everything at them."
Speaking of the injury-enforced backline reshuffle Duncan said: "It is difficult with all the injuries disrupting us, but we are confident that the replacements will be up for the task.
"It is going to be a massive game. It is crucial for us to get the win. It isn't negotiable."
Free State Cheetahs: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Adriaan Coertzen, 13 Phillipus du Plessis, 12 Joubert Engelbrecht, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Willie du Plessis, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Pieter Labuschagne, 7 Teboho Mohoje, 6 Tienie Burger, 5 Francois Uys, 4 Lodewyk de Jager, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld (captain), 1 Caylib Oosthuizen.
Replacements: 16 Hercu Liebenberg, 17 George Marich, 18 Henco Venter, 19 Neil Claassen, 20 Shaun Venter, 21 Pieter-Steyn de Wet, 22 Maphutha Dolo.
Date: Saturday, October 11
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Stuart Berry
Assistant referees: Ben Crouse, Francois de Bruin
TMO: Johan Greeff
