Cheetahs bullish about Brumbies
18 Mar 2008
Naka Drotske believes the Cheetahs can break their Super 14 duck with a win over the baby Brumbies this Friday.
The central franchise are on a hiding to nothing having lost their first five games of the competition. The most recent 55-7 defeat to the Crusaders was their worst performance to date, and even though they made eight changes for this fixture it was unacceptable defensive display.
“I wasn’t happy with that performance and I told the players after the game,” Drotske told keo.co.za. “The defence was bad and I don’t know what it is about the big teams like the Blues and the Crusaders. The youngsters give them too much respect.”
Drotske admitted this was a match they were always going to struggle to win. The Cheetahs targeted the Chiefs and Brumbies as potential victories, and despite their lack of results, Drotske feels a win in Canberra is within their reach.
“They also have a lot of youngsters and have lost various players to overseas deals and injuries. We are going to have to cut out the silly mistakes and brush up on our defence, but it is certainly a game we feel we can win.
“However, there are no easy games in this competition, and the Brumbies do possess some talented players who can’t be afforded too much space.”
Drotske has welcomed back Springbok CJ van der Linde to the matchday squad, while Jacques-Louis Potgieter has also rejoined the team and should get game time from the bench. The side is much the same as the one that fronted the Chiefs two weeks ago, with Meyer Bosman, Falie Oelschig, Duanne Vermeulen, Heinrich Brussouw, Barend Pieterse, Rory Duncan, Adriaan Strauss and Wian du Preez returning to the starting XV.
Cheetahs - Hennie Daniller; Eddie Fredericks, JW Jonker, Meyer Bosman, Jongi Nokwe, Conrad Barnard, Falie Oelschig, Duanne Vemeulen, Darron Nell, Heinrich Brussouw, Barend Pieterse, Rory Duncan (c), Kobus Calldo, Adriaan Strauss, Wian du Preez.
Subs: TBC.
By Jon Cardinelli
17 Comments
18 Mar 2008, 08:59 am
Have a suspicion the Cheetahs might win this one…
18 Mar 2008, 09:03 am
Pleased to see Darron Nell at 7
18 Mar 2008, 09:05 am
Naka, they picked it up from the coach when he made wholesale changes, basicaly conceding that they can’t win! But I like your demeanor this week. Much better and your team will be all the better for it! Go Cheetahs!!!!
18 Mar 2008, 09:12 am
I’m afraid the Cheetahs have fokkol chance of winning this game.
Even with their strongest match 22, they can only hope for damage control.
Brumbies by 12 or more.
18 Mar 2008, 10:13 am
The big problem with coaches in general is that they have to give press conferences and give interviews, most of them only make sense when they shut up to change feet.
18 Mar 2008, 10:16 am
I wish the cheetahs change their luck, but I can’t see them winning this one, especially after two injured players returned for the brumbies. their players will be rested but the brumbies already have a 5 point lead playing at home…
18 Mar 2008, 10:17 am
Well, what else could Naka Dropkick say? That his players are useless and they’re going to get a towelling? Yet again? Of course he’s going to talk up their chances. It’s his job.
18 Mar 2008, 10:52 am
What are you smoking out there, Naka?
But all credit to you guys…that first half against the Chiefs was great rugby.You have to do that for 80.
18 Mar 2008, 11:05 am
40 points this time??
18 Mar 2008, 11:54 am
IMO , the easiest opposition in this year’s Super 14 to play overseas are the Brumbies , Reds , Highlanders and Chiefs. The Cheetahs must go out there , play their hearts out and get a victory. They have lost too many close games now. This time go out there and smash the Brumbies up front.
And play a 80min game.
18 Mar 2008, 12:01 pm
#what’s ur problem Katman, feeling a bit peeved, at losing to the Sharks. Give me one logical reason, why a full strength Cheetah side can’t win this game
18 Mar 2008, 12:07 pm
Cheetahs by 5! Brumbies are k@k! Will end in the bottom 4!
18 Mar 2008, 12:45 pm
g13g
you are correct 40 this time for the bulls
18 Mar 2008, 12:47 pm
when the round robin is done the bottom 4 will be
14 Reds
13 Lions
12 Highlanders
11 Bulls
18 Mar 2008, 13:16 pm
Its not a good omen to be BULLISH unless you want to get a good hiding!
18 Mar 2008, 13:23 pm
12
Did someone give you the wrong brand of puffs this morning??
18 Mar 2008, 18:36 pm
Cheetahs need to get out of this comp!
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