Juan Smith boost for Cheetahs
The Free State Cheetahs have received a timely boost with the news that Juan Smith will be fit and available for the start of their Currie Cup campaign.
Free State Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské on Monday confirmed that Juan Smith will be leading the Cheetahs in their Currie Cup opener against Western Province in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
“Juan feels that he is ready to play and psychologically he is a very strong player. He will definitely be our captain on Saturday” Drotské said.
Smith withdrew himself from the Springbok squad after the sudden passing of his father. In the same time he also underwent two small operations to fix niggling problems. He was only expected to make a return to the side in the fourth week of the Currie Cup, but he has recovered quick enough to be included as Captain for Saturday’s match.
Smith will more than likely be included in the Springbok squad for the home leg of the Tri-nations. The first match on home soil will be on 21 August against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Soccer City.
The Cheetahs received further good news when WP Nel and Skipper Badenhorst, who both had to sit out Friday night’s compulsory friendly against Border in East London because of injuries, were cleared for the start of the Currie Cup.
According to Drotske, Smith is not 100% fit but they are not risking him. “The operation was on his Gilmore groin and it can’t be torn after the operation” Drotské said.
Smith will be a deciding factor in Saturday’s game in Bloemfontein. Apart from his exceptional play as an individual and leading by example, he is also one of the biggest motivators in the team.
[james@rugby15.co.za]
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