Double blow for Cheetahs

Double blow for Cheetahs

28 Apr 2010

Adriaan Strauss is out for the remainder of the Super 14 while WP Nel will miss the Cheetahs’ clash against the Blues.

Springbok hooker Strauss suffered cartilage damage in his shoulder during the Cheetahs’ Australasian tour and will have to undergo surgery. He will be sidelined for at least three months. Tighthead prop Nel will be absent for this weekend’s match with a foot sprain.

Captain Juan Smith said Strauss and Nel are big losses but the team will have to look at the positives.

‘Injuries have been a big problem for us this season and losing Adriaan and WP are big blows. It’s not easy losing key players, especially a tighthead prop,’ Smith told keo.co.za. ‘But we have to look forward. We have [loose forward] Frans Viljoen back from injury and his physical presence will have a big impact against the Blues.

‘The returns of [lock] Waltie Vermeulen and [No 8] Ashley Johnson are also boosts for us.’

Ryno Barnes, who started in the 25-25 draw against the Chiefs last Friday, is set to start at hooker while Kobus Calldo is likely to fill in at tighthead. Loosehead prop Coenie Oosthuizen will also be an option at tighthead as he played there in the latter part of the 2009 Currie Cup when Nel was injured then.

‘Ryno put his hand up last weekend and showed us he that he is determined to play. Kobus was with us for the four-week tour, but missed all the games. I’m sure he is determined to make an impact if he gets a start,’ said Smith.

By Gareth Duncan


7 Comments

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

Have your say

You must be logged in to post a comment.