Goosen starts his comeback
Injury-prone Springbok Johan Goosen will start his comeback when he plays flyhalf for the Cheetahs against the Southern Kings in a pre-season game in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
The 21-year-old, who has played four Tests for South Africa since his debut against Australia in September 2012, has been sidelined since March last year.
He underwent surgery after suffering a serious knee injury in a freak training ground accident in Sydney, during the Cheetahs' Super Rugby tour of Australasia.
That injury followed a succession of shoulder and knee injuries which also limited his game time in 2012.
Goosen, who was rested during the Cheetahs' win over Shimlas last Friday, will start at flyhalf ahead of Elgar Watts.
The talented young player's critics feel the numerous injury setback may prevent him from reaching his full potential.
Hennie Daniller, who played No.15 against NMMU in a pre-season outing on Tuesday, will again start at fullback – with Bok star Willie le Roux being rested after suffering a minor shoulder injury last Friday.
Jean Cook, who joined the Cheetahs from the Bulls, will start at No.6 – after leapfrogging Sevens Bok Johannes Prinsloo in the loose forward pecking order.
Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Kevin Luiters, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Pieter Labuschagné, 6 Jean Cook, 5 Lodewyk de Jager, 4 Francois Uys, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Trevor Nyakane.
Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Caylib Oosthuizen, 18 Nicolaas van Dyk, 19 Rynhard Landman, 20 Johannes Prinsloo, 21 Shaun Venter, 22 Elgar Watts, 23 Rayno Benjamin.
Date: Saturday, January 25
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Jason Jaftha
