Cheetahs kicking game the difference
Last year an improved defensive system was credited for them making the Super Rugby play-offs for the first time. This year the Cheetahs hope an evolved and refined kicking game will do the trick.
Known for many years as a team with a palatable expansive game, but one which didn't quite produce the desired results, the men from Bloemfontein shored up their defence.
Now two of their most impressive attacking weapons, flyhalf Johan Goosen and fullback Willie le Roux, have added another string to their already impressive bows.
Coach Naka Drotské, speaking to this website ahead of their first Australasian tour match, said that tactical kicking was one of the key elements that helped them overcome the Bulls last week.
While the predicted weather condition for their Round Three encounter with the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday is much more positive that the torrential rain that marked their try-less 15-9 win over the Bulls last week, he felt they now have an extra option that make their game plan that much more flexible.
Despite the prediction of early morning cloud, clearing to a mostly sunny day, the chance of any rain in Melbourne is a mere five percent on Friday.
However, Drotské felt that should the need arise at any time, they are able to adjust and revert to a kicking game.
"In the wet conditions [in Bloemfontein last week], Willie le Roux and Johan Goosen were outstanding," the coach told this website.
"Their tactical kicking was outstanding – they played in the right areas of the field and kicked at the right time."
He is well aware that different opponents and different conditions will require a change in approach on Friday.
"We have showed in the past we prefer dry conditions, so the big positive is how we showed last week that we are adaptable enough and can play in wet weather and play a tactical kicking game if it is required," he said.
"In my opinion Willie le Roux and Johan Goosen showed the last year or two they are players who are brilliant on attack.
"However, last week they showed that if they need to employ a tactical kicking game they have that in their armoury.
"Willie [le Roux] showed the last year that while he still has the ability to launch blistering attacks from fullback, it is in terms of his tactical kicking where he has made the biggest strides.
"The big positive for us is that we have that ability to adjust to the conditions."
Drotské said the fact that they won in Melbourne two years ago and have beaten the Rebels every time means they head into the opening match of their tour with some confidence.
"We know how to play against them and we are expecting dry conditions.
"The flexibility, as well as the ability to remain calm and handle pressure, has been strong points for us in the last few years."
By Jan de Koning
