CHEETAHS 2011
The Cheetahs have probably been the competition’s biggest under-performers. They are a team of immense talent, but one that seldom lives up to its billing.
Last year the Cheetahs improved on their 2009 finish – up to 10th place from last. That was thanks mainly to a late rally – three successive victories at the end.
But there were signs of a ‘revival’ – a draw with the Chiefs in Hamilton, the first time they did not lose all their matches on tour. They also have impressive victories over the Hurricanes and Blue – oh, yes, and of course the Sharks – to their credit.
However, they are still seen as a team that keeps bringing talented young players through, only for said players to be poached by cash-flush unions – a feeder union of sorts for some.
They have the potential to be very competitive, but the key for the Cheetahs will be to keep their frontline selection fit and on the field.
The Cheetahs have a good domestic record but they have battled in the Super 14. They do not have the big budget of the other South African franchises and losing talented players to more lucrative contacts, which depletes the Cheetahs player pool, is an ongoing problem.
In terms of player depth, the Cheetahs are the weakest of the South African Super 14 teams and coach Naka Drotské has to rely on innovation and enterprise – along with making the absolute most of all talent at his disposal – to remain competitive.
One of their most influential figures is captain Juan Smith and you only have to look at 2010 to realise this.
Strengths: Not much has changed over the years in Bloemfontein. The Cheetahs have an abundance of youthful talent and they seem somehow to find and nurture backs of skill and flair year after year. In captain Juan Smith they have one of the world’s most outstanding loose-forwards – his class and experience as player and flank is a major asset – and in Heinrich Brüssow one of the most feared ‘fetchers’ playing the game. Their front row could create problems for some of their opponents’ packs.
Weakness: As stated, their limited budget means they lack depth – the result of a loss of players to other unions. They also tend to be a touch predictable.
Noteworthy signing: No doubt it is in the second row where most of the movements took place – Martin Muller (from Western Province) and Wilhelm Steenkamp (Bulls), will challenge some of last year’s regulars for a starting place. Then there is Hendrik Roodt (Waratahs), who played for Griquas in the Currie Cup, that could prove some much-needed depth. Philip Burger (back from France), Andries Strauss (Sharks) and Ryno Benjamin (Sevens) bolster the backline resources.
Noteworthy losses: The list, as usual, is long – Bjorn Basson (to the Bulls), Meyer Bosman (Sharks), Jongi Nokwe (injured), Lionel Mapoe (Lions), Hendro Scholtz (Agen), David de Villiers (Lions), Nico Breedt (retired), Wian du Preez (Munster).
Coach: He may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but former Springbok hooker and Free State Currie Cup-winning captain Naka Drotské is an establishment in Bloemfontein. He understands the culture, has to make do with fewer resources, but remains a remarkably resourceful and resilient coach. Assistant coach Hawies Fourie adds value to the acumen of the coaching team.
Captain: The value of Juan Smith can never be underestimated. Just look at their 2010 campaign! When he was injured or stayed at home due to the death of his father, the Cheetahs looked a rag-tag bunch that didn’t belong on the Super Rugby stage. His return sparked one of the most remarkable revivals – a draw with the Chiefs in Hamilton (the first time they did not lose abroad) and three successive victories (over the Blues, Force and Lions). He is a veteran of over 70 Super Rugby matches for the Cats and Cheetahs and has 69 Test caps for the Springboks. The 29-year old is regarded as one of the most effective loose forwards in the world.
Potential bolters: His stellar performances for the Sharks in the 2010 Currie Cup season saw Andries Strauss receive a belated call-up to play for the Springboks against a star studded Barbarians side at Twickenham in November. Rock solid on defence, although not that highly rated in the creative department. also keep an eye on Wilhelm Steenkamp and Martin Muller, two very talented second row forwards.
2010 Position: 10th
Best finish: 10th (2010 and 2006 – debut year) – and, as Free State, seventh in the 1997 Super 12
Worst finish: 14th (2009)
Home Venue: Free State stadium, Bloemfontein (capacity 40,000)
Prospects for 2010: At a stretch you can say an outside chance for the play-offs, but in reality their main contribution will again be to produce a few upsets.
Cheetahs squad (provisional): Hennie Daniller, Philip Burger, Philip Snyman, Robert Ebersohn, Andries Strauss, Ryno Benjamin, Naas Olivier, Sarel Pretorius, Kabamba Floors, Juan Smith (captain), Frans Viljoen, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Martin Muller, WP Nel, Ryno Barnes, Coenie Oosthuizen, Skipper Badenhorst, Kobus Calldo, Waltie Vermeulen, Philip van der Walt, Ashley Johnson, Tewis de Bruyn, Sias Ebersohn, Corné Uys, Riaan Viljoen, Francois Uys, Izak van der Westhuizen, Hendrik Roodt, Adriaan Strauss.
Schedule:
19 February: v Sharks, away
25 February: v Bulls, home
5 March: v Stormers, away
12 March: v Lions, home
19 March: v Waratahs, away
26 March: v Reds, away
2 April: v Blues, away
8 April: v Highlanders, away
16 April: v Hurricanes, home
23 April: Bye
30 April: v Brumbies, home
6 May: v Lions, away
14 May: v Crusaders, home
21 May: v Rebels, home
28 May: v Bulls, away
4 June: v Sharks, home
11 June: Bye
18 June: v Stormers, home
