De Jager back for Cheetahs
Cheetahs lock Lodewyk de Jager has recovered from a concussion to take his place in the team to face the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.
The young De Jager, who made a big impression in Super Rugby this year, replaces Teboho Mohoje in the only change to the side that beat the Golden Lions last week.
Burly No.8 Philip van der Walt has recovered from a shoulder injury which kept him out of the Cheetahs clash with the Lions, but coach Naka Drotske placed him on the replacement bench, with Davon Raubenheimer keeping his spot in the run-on loose trio.
"Both Lood and Philip are back and will each play a role against the Sharks," Drotske said.
"We also welcome back winger Rayno Benjamin after he proved his fitness. He can also play a big role as impact player."
Drotske admitted their ability to play the full 80 minutes was something they looked at during the build up to their Durban visit. The Cheetahs dominated the first half against the Lions, only to allow them back into the game in the second stanza.
"It is something that almost cost us dearly against the Lions and something we can ill afford on Saturday against the Sharks," the Cheetahs coach said.
Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Riaan Smit, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Elgar Watts, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Davon Raubenheimer, 7 Pieter Labuschagne, 6 Johannes Prinsloo (captain), 5 Waltie Vermeulen, 4 Lodewyk de Jager, 3 Rossouw de Klerk, 2 Hercu Liebenberg, 1 Trevor Nyakane.
Replacements: 16 AJ le Roux, 17 Schalk van der Merwe, 18 Teboho Mohoje, 19 Philip van der Walt, 20 Piet van Zyl, 21 Ryno Benjamin, 22 Willie du Plessis.
Date: Saturday, September 21
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Marius Jonker
Assistant referees: Tiaan Jonker, Reuben Rossouw
TMO: Deon van Blommestein
