22/01/2008 16:11

Bloemfontein - Naka Drotske seems to have made up his mind regarding the crucial flyhalf position after naming Griquas pivot Conrad Barnard to start in the 'A'-side for the Cheetahs' Super 14 trials on Friday.

Barnard is preferred to former Bulls player Jacques-Louis Potgieter, and has been paired with Falie Oleschig, although the former Bulls flyhalf will undoubtedly also get a run with the 'A'-side.

Herkie Kruger, better known for his exploits at flyhalf over the years, will be at inside centre, where he partners JW Jonker in the absence of Meyer Bosman.

With injuries taking their toll, Drotske couldn't pick his best XV, and he has also given Kabamba Floors off for the trial because of his involvement with the national Sevens side in December.

Among the injured are Springboks CJ van der Linde, Hendro Scholtz, Meyer Bosman and Bevin Fortuin.

Kobus Calldo gets a run at tighthead in place of Van der Linde with new Springbok Wian du Preez on the other side of the scrum, while Fortuin's injury gives former Bulls and Boland Cavaliers player Hennie Daniller an opportunity to impress.

Bosman and Kruger will fight it out for the inside centre berth as the season progresses, while the many youngsters at loose forward will have the opportunity to catch Drotske's eye until Scholtz is fit again.

The teams announced on Tuesday are:

Team 1:

Hennie Daniller, Eddie Fredericks, JW Jonker, Herkie Kruger, Gavin Passens, Conrad Barnard, Falie Oelschig, Duanne Vermeulen, Juan Smith, Heinrich Brussouw, Barend Pieterse, Rory Duncan, Kobus Calldo, Adriaan Strauss, Wian du Preez.

Team 2:

Herman Pretorius, Howard Noble, Lafras Uys, Hendrik Meyer, Jonghi Nokwe, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Sarel Pretorius, Frans Viljoen, Darron Nell, Wayne van Heerden, David de Villiers, Francois van der Merwe, Bees Roux, Janre du Toit, Regardt Dreyer.

Reserves: Hans van Dyk, Heinrich Stride, Jandre Blom, Tobie Botes, Joel Iggi.

Not considered because of injury: Ronnie Uys, Richard Strauss, CJ van der Linde, Hendro Scholtz, Tewis de Bruyn, Meyer Bosman, Bevin Fortuin.