Only one change to Cheetahs
2006-03-15 21:32
Bloemfontein - Cheetahs coach Rassie Erasmus has made just one change to his starting lineup that beat the Hurricanes.
Corniel van Zyl (lock) has been included in the starting lineup for the Super 14 rugby match against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.
He will replace Cobus Grobler, who will warm the bench. Ockie van Zyl (flank/lock) has been made available to the Griffons, even though he is on the inside track to play in the next match against the Reds.
Corniel's inclusion could be an indication that the Cheetahs will want to tame the Stormers pack with the tight five. His inclusion can also strengthen the lineouts and put extra pressure on Stormers hooker Schalk Brits.
Brits is a fiery player and a game breaker, but there is a question mark about his throw-ins at the lineouts. Corniel, Barend Pieterse (lock) and Juan Smith (captain and flank) will get instructions to try and exploit this weak point in Brits' game.
Will get a chance
Good news is that Gaffie du Toit (left wing, hamstring) and Jannie du Plessis (tighthead, calf muscle) have recovered. The only way Willem de Waal (flyhalf) will get a chance to play will be if Du Toit should withdraw at the last minute. De Waal will, however get a chance to play against the Australasian teams on the softer and wet fields.
CJ van der Linde (calf) has not been so lucky as Du Plessis. The Springbok tighthead is in a race against time to recover for the match against the Reds.
Erasmus says tackling could determine the outcome of the game.
"I consider someone like Rayno Benjamin (Stormers right wing) as a future Bok. Everyone knows what a player such as Jean de Villiers (centre) can do if he has room to manoeuvre.
"Our first time tackles will have to be decisive."
The Cheetahs are preparing for a Stormers team that will give the ball a lot of air from the word go.
The Cheetahs team: Bevin Fortuin, Giscard Pieters, Ronnie Cooke, Barry Goodes, Gaffie du Toit, Meyer Bosman, Michael Claassens, Ryno van der Merwe, Juan Smith (c), Kabamba Floors, Barend Pieterse, Corniel van Zyl, Jannie du Plessis, Tiaan Liebenberg, Os du Randt.
Replacements: Ollie le Roux, Wian du Preez, Cobus Grobler, Frans Viljoen, Falie Oelschig, Sinethemba Zweni, Eddie Fredericks.
Saturday from 16:00 on MNet and DStv SS1.