Toyota Cheetahs take on Cardiff Blues in Wales
The Toyota Cheetahs arrive in the Welsh capital, Cardiff, Wales on Wednesday afternoon where they will be taking on Cardiff Blues on Friday. The match kicks off at 20:35 (SA time) with a live broadcast on SuperSport1.
The Toyota Cheetah’s 39-39 draw against Ulster in round four marked the highest level score in the competition’s history and they will target their first win of season against the Cardiff Blues. Both sides succumbed to defeats in their first three matches, but will be inspired by vastly improved showings last week.
The hosts come off a comprehensive 37-13 victory against Ulster at home, which marked their first win of the season, while the Toyota Cheetahs were in the lead until the final minute against Ulster before a late try saw the match end in a draw.
The last two encounters between the sides were thrilling, with the Cardiff Blues winning 25-20 at home and the Toyota Cheetahs winning 29-27 in the return match, and with both sides determined to gain momentum in the competition, this clash could prove to be another cracker.
Good discipline will be vital for the Toyota Cheetahs, especially with the home side’s Gareth Anscombe being the third-highest points’ scorer in the competition, mainly due to his accurate goal-kicking, while they will also look to step up their defence after conceding 25 tries in their first four matches.
“It’s good to have continuity, which is an important factor for team to grow. With continuity we can learn from mistakes and grow for form a good base. This tour is important to give the next step towards winning and doing better away from home. Cardiff offers a big challenge. They are well prepared and we expect a fast game on the artificial ground.” Said Coach Franco Smith.
Changes to the team from last week:
- Ryno Eksteen will be starting on full back, replacing the injured Malcom Jaer
- Daniel Maartens is new to the bench.
The following players are not eligible for team selection due to injury:
Quintin Vorster (ankle), Ntokosa Vidima (wrist), Dries Swanepoel (shoulder), Erich de Jager (bicep), Oupa Mohoje (knee), Luan de Bruin (ankle), Aiden Davis (laceration), Jasper Wiese (shoulder), Zee Mkhabela (ankle), Lloyd Greeff (ankle), Sibabalo Qoma (ankle), Ernst Stapelberg (concussion), Malcolm Jaer (back).
The team will be on route to Scotland’s capital Edinburg on Sunday, 29 September, where they will be facing Edinburgh on Friday, 5 October at 19:35 (SA time) on Murrayfield.
GUINNESS PRO14
Toyota Cheetahs vs Cardiff Blues
28 September 2018. Kick-off: 20:35 (SA Time)
Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff, Wales
No. | Player |
1. | Ox Nche |
2. | Jospeh Dweba |
3. | Aranos Coetzee |
4. | Walt Steenkamp |
5. | JP du Preez |
6. | Gerhard Olivier |
7. | Junior Pokomela |
8. | Niell Jordaan |
9. | Tian Meyer © |
10. | Tian Schoeman |
11. | Rabz Maxwane |
12. | Nico Lee |
13. | Benhard Janse van Rensburg |
14. | William Small-Smith |
15. | Ryno Eksteen |
16. | Jacques du Toit |
17. | Charles Marais |
18. | Günther Janse van Vuuren |
19. | Justin Basson |
20. | Stephan Malan |
21. | Daniel Maartens |
22. | Shaun Venter |
23. | Louis Fouche |
The referee for the match is George Clancy (IRFU, 105th competition game). He will be assisted by Joy Neville (IRFU) and Gwyn Morris (WRU). The TMO is Jon Morris (WRU).
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