Huge challenge for new Cheetahs coach
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs hooker Louis van der Westhuizen will run out in his 50th game for the Bloemfontein side when they face Clermont for their round of 16 clash in the Challenge Cup at Stade Marcel Michelin in France on Saturday.
The Cheetahs secured a spot in the knockout stage despite narrowly missing out on home advantage finishing third in Pool 1.
Their new head coach Izak van der Westhuizen (former forwards coach) recently took over from Hawies Fourie.
“I think the guys know what is expected of them and the conditions. Playing is always difficult because you never know which side will arrive for the game. I think it helps a lot to have that experience within the group,” Van der Westhuizen said.
Captain Victor Sekekete added: “From the boy’s side, we are more eager, especially because we’ve been there, and last year’s defeat to Toulon left a bitter taste in our mouths.”
“There is more hunger, and what is important to us is the game management and to realize that when you’re playing over there, anything can happen on the day. The most important thing is to ensure we control what we can control.”
Cheetahs: 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Reinhardt Fortuin, 11 Litha Nkula, 10 George Lourens, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Friedle Olivier, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Jeandré Rudolph, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Replacements: 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Mzwandele Zito, 20 Gideon van der Merwe, 21 Siba Qoma, 22 Andell Loubser, 23 Rewan Kruger
Date: Saturday, April 6
Venue: Stade Marcel Michelin, Clermont
Kick-off: 13.30 (13.30 CEST, 11.30 GMT)
Referee: Sam Grove-White (Scotlant)
Assistant Referees: Ian Kenny (Scotland), Ru Cambell (Scotland)
TMO: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland)
