Two 50th caps headline Cheetahs’ clash with Pumas
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Two Cheetahs players will reach a major career milestone when the side travels to Nelspruit for Saturday’s Currie Cup clash against the Pumas at Mbombela Stadium.
Captain Neels Volschenk will make his 50th appearance when he leads the team onto the field, while Marco Jansen van Vuren will also bring up his half-century when he comes off the bench.
The Cheetahs and Griquas have already secured their places in the semi-finals and occupy the top two positions on the league table heading into the final round.
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The Pumas are among five teams still fighting for the remaining two playoff places. They currently sit third on 17 points, ahead of the Boland Cavaliers and Stormers XXIII on 16, the Lions on 15 and the Sharks XV on 13. The Bulls XV, on five points, are out of contention.
A victory over the Cheetahs at Mbombela Stadium would secure the Pumas’ place in the semifinals. Even a losing bonus point could be enough, depending on results elsewhere, but the hosts will be determined to take control of their own destiny.
For the Cheetahs, the final round provides an opportunity to build momentum ahead of the semi-finals and potentially finish top of the table to secure home-ground advantage for the final.
“It is nice to be in a position where we know that we have a home semi-final, but there is still the possibility of finishing at the top and having the opportunity to host a home final,” said Cheetahs head coach Frans Steyn.
“We are in control of our own destiny. How we show up and how we play this weekend will depend on ourselves.
“The Pumas are a very physical team. They have a good kicking game and some quality players. When they get going, they also have a strong running game. We will have to match that in Nelspruit.”
For Volschenk, however, the occasion will be about more than the result as he reaches his 50th appearance for the Cheetahs.
“The nice thing is to play in a pack that is moving forward. When your pack is going forward, your chances of winning the game are much greater than losing it,” he said.
Cheetahs: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Michael Annies, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Jooste Nel, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Tiaan Swanepoel, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Neels Volschenk (captain), 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Sisonke Vumazonke, 5 Carl Wegner, 4 Arno van der Merwe, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Stefan Venter, 1 Dux Manyama
Replacements: 16 Frankie Dos Reis, 17 Tielman Niewoudt, 18 John-Kelly Okonkwo, 19 Victor Sekekete, 20 Simon Miller, 21 Daniel Maartens, 22 Cohen Jasper, 23 Marco Jansen van Vuren
Date: Saturday, August 29
Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Kick-off: 14.00; 11.00 GMT)
Referee: Hanru van Rooyen
Assistant Referees: Jonathan Lottering, Paul Mente
TMO: Archie Moko
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