Toyota Cheetahs in high spirits ahead of MTN Lions clash
Adriaan Strauss very focused ahead of their game against the MTN Lions in Bloemfontein, 7 April 2012. Photo by Denese Lups /Rugby15
Morgan Piek – Coming of the back of their most successful tour down under the Toyota Cheetahs will be going into their first home game in four weeks with a lot of confidence. The Cheetahs managed to pick up two wins and two loses in their four tour games in Australia and New Zealand. The two losses were by one point against the Brumbies in rather controversial circumstances and by seven points to the Crusaders at their new home ground. All-in-all, a very successful trip.
This morning the Cheetahs were rocked with news that Springbok flank, Juan Smith will not be making his return to the rugby field this coming weekend as was expected before they departed overseas. Smith is now reported to be out indefinitely with his Achilles tendon injury and might only don the famous White and Orange jersey again in 2013.
However, it’s back to business as usual in Bloemfontein as the team is back in full swing with their preparations ahead of their encounter against the MTN Lions from Johannesburg. This morning I was able to catch glimpses of the teams training session at the Free State Stadium and the players were looking very sharp. Backline coach Hawies Fourie had his player’s one side working on a rather interesting and somewhat unconventional move which will add another dynamic to an already dangerous Cheetahs backline.
In the Media session conducted after the training session I questioned Hawies about this “planned move” and he confirmed they have spotted a weakness in the Lions backline which they’re planning to exploit during the game. I will not divulge in the planned move in order to remain impartial and not to benefit either side. As always, I’m pretty confident in saying I’m sure John Mitchell has an ace or two up his sleeve as well.
- Toyota Cheetahs coach, Naka Drotske in high spirits after his teams very successful Australasian tour. Photo by Denese Lups /Rugby15
While the backs were practising their moves, Naka Drostke and Os du Randt had the forwards placing a lot of emphasise on the lineout and throw-ins. Although the Cheetahs haven’t had any real problems at the lineout, they have to counter the fact that John Mitchell might be starting with the unknown 19-year old lock, Paul Willemse. I have never seen or heard of this lad. It will be interesting to see what he can produce. Toyota Cheetahs captain Adriaan Strauss confirmed they have paying a lot attention to this set-piece under the guidance of Springbok legend, Os du Rundt.
The Cheetahs team remains fairly unchanged, with only the phenomenal Ashley Johnson coming in of the bench to replace Justin Downey who has been moved to the bench. Although Hennie Daniller has been named in the starting line-up, he will go through a late fitness test on Friday to determine whenever or not he has recovered from the knock he picked up against the Hurricanes in their final tour game. If Hennie is unable to player, Phillip Snyman will come in at wing and they very exciting Willie le Roux will take up his natural position at fullback. Phillip Burger will then be brought into squad as backup.
The Cheetahs are actually in a very good position on the log, although at first glance it doesn’t look like it. With their tout done and dusted the Bloemfontein based side has ten matches remaining in the 2012 Super rugby campaign, of which seven are home games.
The Lions have had few nail biters in recent weeks, however with the spaight of injuries that has rocked the Joburg outfit I think they will be outgunned come Saturday 15:00.
The one factor that may have a huge impact on the game will be the “Mark Lawrence factor”. Although Lawrence is one of the most experienced referees South Africa has ever produced, we will be very naïve to believe his poor form of late has not influence on a game. I sincerely hope Mark will have a good game this coming weekend, because the “Cat Derby” always tends to produce riveting rugby and it would be a travesty if the winner wins via a dubious penalty.
The Toyota Cheetahs:
1.Coenie Oosthuisen, 2. Adriaan Strauss, 3. WP Nel, 4. George Earle, 5. Izak van der Westhuizen, 6. Heinrich Brussow, 7. Ashley Johnson, 8. Philip van der Walt, 9. Piet van Zyl, 10. Johan Goosen, 11. Willie le Roux, 12. Andries Strauss, 13. Robert Ebersohn, 14. Rayno Benjamin, Hennie Daniller.
Reserves:
16. Hercu Liebenberg, 17. Trevor Nyakane, 18. Andries Ferraira, 19. Justin Downey, 20. Tewis du Bruyn, 21. Sias Ebersohn, 22. Philip Snyman.
The MTN Lions:
15. Jaco Taute, 14. Deon Van Rensburg, 13. Alwyn Hollenbach, 12. Butch James, 11. Andries Coetzee, 10. Elton Jantjies, 9. Tian Meyer, 8. Joshua Strauss , 7. Derick Minnie, 6. Cobus Grobbelaar, 5. Franco Van der Merwe, 4. Paul Willemse, 3. Patric Cilliers, 2. Martin Bezuidenhout, 1. Caylib Oosthuizen.
Reserves:
16. Callie Visagie, 17. Ruan Dreyer, 18. Marius Coetzer, 19. Etienne Oosthuizen, 20. Michael Bondesio, 21. Lionel Mapoe, 22. James Kamana.
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