Double boost for Cheetahs
The Cheetahs received a timely boost ahead of their final match with Naka Drotské as coach – when they take on the Stormers in a Super Rugby clash at Newlands on Saturday.
Flyhalf Joe Pietersen and flank Tienie Burger have been declared fit and are back in the starting line-up.
They replace Francois Brummer (at No.10) and Carel Greeff (on the flank) respectively.
Sergeal Petersen is also back at right wing, replacing Springbok Cornal Hendricks.
Scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius has also regained fitness, but will start on the bench in place of Shaun Venter – with Tian Meyer retaining his place in the starting team.
Springbok lock, Lodewyk de Jager, who has been sidelined with an elbow injury since the first game of the season, was not included.
It was earlier this week reported that De Jager could make his return to action, but the Cheetahs decided not to risk him.
It will be Drotské's last match in charge of the Cheetahs, before Franco Smith takes over as head coach from next week.
Scrum coach Os du Randt will also depart after Saturday's trip to Newlands.
While Drotské is retiring, Du Randt will head to Japan for a coaching stint.
This will be the 15th Super Rugby encounter between the Cheetahs and the Stormers since 2006.
The Stormers are leading with nine wins to the five wins of the Cheetahs.
Cheetahs: 5 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Michael van der Spuy, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Joe Pietersen, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Willie Britz, 7 Johannes Prinsloo, 6 Tienie Burger, 5 Francois Uys (captain), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Nicolaas van Dyk, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld, 1 Danie Mienie.
Replacements: 16 Stephan Coetzee, 17 Burry Uys, 18 Ewald van der Westhuizen, 19 Steven Sykes, 20 Henco Venter, 21 Sarel Pretorius, 22 Coenie van Wyk, 23 Rayno Benjamin.
Date: Saturday, May 30
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Jason Jaftha (South Africa), Francois Pretorius (South Africa)
TMO: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)
