Smith brothers come face to face in third round of Currie Cup
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sibling rivalry is on the cards when the Cheetahs travel to Durban to face the Sharks XV in the Third Round of the Currie Cup at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont.
This week brings a special family moment as Franco Smith lines up against his brother, Jean Smith.
“It’s exceptional. It’s always a privilege to play for the Cheetahs, and to do it this weekend in the Currie Cup against my brother is something special. I know he’s a good player on his own journey, and I’m really excited,” the Cheetahs’ Smith said.
The Cheetahs have made several changes from last weekend’s match against the Pumas. In the forwards, Juan Venter, Daniel Maartens and Sisonke Vumazonke come into the starting lineup in place of Pierre Uys, Sasko Ndlovu, and Gideon van der Merwe.
In the backline, Clayton Blommetjies, Cohen Jasper, Franco Smith, and Banie Britz replace Tiaan Swanepoel, Ntokozo Makhaza, and Franco Smith (previously at flyhalf).
On the bench, Thabang Mahlase, Gideon van der Merwe, Ali Mgijima, and Ethan Wentzel are named among the replacements.
Head Coach Frans Steyn is anticipating a tough contest, saying: “I don’t think it’s going to be easy. We need to stick to the goals we’ve set for ourselves, and hopefully that will work in our favour.
“The Sharks have a lot of talent in their squad, so our focus has to remain on our plan and improving week by week. We must start well and maintain our intensity for the full 80 minutes.
“Tiaan [Liebenberg, forwards coach] and the forwards are doing a great job. I’m impressed with the young guys giving everything on the pitch, and the experienced players providing direction.”
Cheetahs: 15 James Verity-Amm, 14 Ntokozo Makhaza, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Franco Smith, 11 Banie Britz, 10 Clayton Blommetjies, 9 Jandre Nel, 8 Neels Volschenk, 7 Sisonke Vumazonke, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Juan Venter, 3 Frankie Dos Reis, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Cameron Dawson
Replacements: 16 Louis van der Westhuizen, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Aranos Coetzee, 19 Thabang Mahlase, 20 Gideon van der Merwe, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Ali Mgijima, 23 Ethan Wentzel
Date: Saturday, August 9
Venue: Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium, Durban
Kick-off: 17.10 (`15.10 GMT)
Referee: AJ Jacobs
Assistant Referees: Paul Mente, Phumzile Mbewu
TMO: Egon Seconds
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