Cheetahs short a loosie?

The Cheetahs will need to make a decision on a new loose forward for their final Super Rugby match of the year with the news that Justin Downey is out.

Downey is the only casualty from the team that narrowly lost to the Stormers last weekend, with the flank dislocating his finger badly enough to be ruled out of the final match against the Sharks according to Volksblad.

Downey joins Davon Raubenheimer (knee), Philip van der Walt (foot) and Juan Smith (Achillies) on the list of injured loose forwards, leaving Ashley Johnson, Heinrich Brüssow and Pieter Laberschagne.

Head coach Naka Drotske must now make a decision on who will be called in for the final match, with Boom Prinsloo, Frans Viljoen and Kabamba Floors the leading contenders for a place in the matchday 22.