Chance for the Cheetahs
13 Mar 2013
RICHARD FERGUSON writes that the Cheetahs are in a position to pull off another surprise win in Australasia.
The Cheetahs bossed the Highlanders in Dunedin to get their campaign off the mark, this after a poor start with a loss at home to the Sharks and a hiding at the hands of the Chiefs. Where exactly the motivation came to show such a turnaround nobody will know, the question though is if they will show the same form this weekend.
The Waratahs’ start hasn’t been much better, also boasting one win from three matches, the only difference being the quality of opposition in facing only Australian teams. The other difference has been the quality of rugby being played, the Cheetahs showing moments of brilliance on attack while the Waratahs have shown no potency whatsoever.
What the Cheetahs have, is momentum. And we all know the Cheetahs with the slightest bit of form is a beast of another kind. And with their pivot hitting some form, the team as a whole will be up for this match.
Key to the Cheetahs’ cause is Sarel Pretorius, as we all know, but it is his linking with Johan Goosen that is of the utmost importance. They started together against the Chiefs, and with Sarel’s passing not being up to scratch and Goosen missing kicks, the team as a whole fell apart. The very next match they clicked and the team benefited with front foot ball and the loose forwards were allowed to play. The fact that points were being scored from visiting opposition territory helped.
Lappies Labuschagne shined brightest against the Highlanders as he excelled in all aspects of the game, gaining front foot ball and being an absolute beast on defence. Expect Heinrich Brüssow to start and along with Lappies, gain an upper hand at the breakdown.
The Cheetahs are an up and down team that will surprise, whether good or bad, week in and week out, but I expect them to pull consecutive victories out of the hat and surprise again this weekend.
45 Comments
13 Mar 2013, 09:20 am
Chance for the Cheetahs http://t.co/7hwO163aoy via @sharethis Cheetahs in with a shot against the Waratahs
13 Mar 2013, 09:47 am
Anyone else think Philip vd Walt should move to the second-row to accommodate Frans Viljoen?
13 Mar 2013, 09:49 am
RT @keocoza: Chance for the Cheetahs: RICHARD FERGUSON writes that the Cheetahs are in a position to pull off another win http://t.co/jW …
13 Mar 2013, 09:52 am
News this morning indicates that Adriaan Strauss, Johan Goosen and Lappies Labuschange all missed training yesterday, and will only train tomorrow, as today is the off day.
Strauss went off injured (rolled ankle), Goosen is not feeling well and Lappies has a thigh strain.
13 Mar 2013, 10:19 am
I don’t think it will be that much of a surprise if the Cheetahs win. With injuries and key players off form the Tahs haven’t really clicked so far. Add to this the fact that 29 of their 35 players will be off contract at the end of the season there is an air of uncertainty in this Tahs team. The Cheetahs must just stay focused
13 Mar 2013, 10:24 am
@Baylion-5:
Very good points..
It won’t be a surprise if they win, yet nobody will be surprised if they lose either..
Saw the Waratahs team announced, some players coming back from injury and the coah dropping key players ahead of this match.
13 Mar 2013, 10:27 am
@Richard Ferguson-6: True, the Cheetahs have been known to turn a win into a loss
13 Mar 2013, 10:28 am
Sarel will want a big game after sitting on Tahs bench all last season.
Also think Cheetahs need to play Frans Viljoen in the back row.
The better the Cheetahs get the better players they will attract.
With aome positions they need to bring some new players in
15 Need a new signing Daniller cant have many years left now
14 Le Roux
13 Sadie
12 Ebersohn
11 Rhule
10 Goosen
9 Pretorius
8 Viljoen
7 Laubuschagne
6 Brussouw
5 Van Der Walt
4 Vermeulen
3 Coenie Oosthuzyen
2 Strauss
1 Nkyane / Caylib Oosthuzyen
Need some good cover on bench and in reserve squad
Benjamin good
Piet Van Zyl good
Depth needed
Maybe Deysel, Danie Poolman, Ashley Johnson, Andries Coetzee / Combrinck and Sias to return in 2 seasons
13 Mar 2013, 10:32 am
Same match 22 for the Waratahs match announced:
Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Willie le Roux, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Pieter Labuschagne, 6 Frans Viljoen, 5 Francois Uys, 4 Lodewyk de Jager, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Trevor Nyakane.
Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Rynhard Landman, 19 Heinrich Brüssow, 20 Piet van Zyl, 21 Riaan Smith, 22 Ryno Benjamin.
13 Mar 2013, 11:14 am
Yeah, they mentioned earlier the week that Brussow is still being benched. Glad they’re doing this. Give him time – they really messed up forcing Goosen back too soon. Besides, the current back 3 are world class players, with Frans adding the experience.
Only thing (as a Cheetahs fan) is that they tend to lose when everyone expects them to win… and also the other way around. Let’s hope they can break that trend.
13 Mar 2013, 12:14 pm
@Rhys7-8: Hennie is 28. A few good years left.
13 Mar 2013, 12:30 pm
Cheetahs have always been inconsistent but this is a great opportunity to record back to back wins on tour for the first time. Got the Force the following week so with a bit of luck maybe 3 from 3. Might be a bit ambitious but we’ll see how it goes.
Last year we had just as good an opportunity but we lost to a last minute penalty against the Brumbies and then drew with the Rebels. That after we beat the Canes and lost by less than 7 to the Crusaders.
13 Mar 2013, 12:44 pm
@stormer in a teacup-11: Also, they have Willie Le Roux, who is a more than adequate replacement at fullback.
13 Mar 2013, 13:36 pm
*Sorry, we beat the Rebels. My mistake
13 Mar 2013, 13:54 pm
what ever happened to ashley johnson?
didnt he end up playing for the eagles?
i was very surprised that he fell so far so quick as i rated him at one stage.
13 Mar 2013, 14:01 pm
@The Rangerman-15:
Playing for London Wasps I think.
13 Mar 2013, 14:04 pm
@pokkel-16: ah ok, from boks and cheetahs to eagles then on to london wasps?
seems like an up down up career to me?
13 Mar 2013, 14:45 pm
@The Rangerman-15:
Definitely didn’t play for the Eagles. He left last year for the Wasps – probably got fed up with Naka keeping him on the bench.
Enjoyed the way he played myself. Made a fantastic super-sub. Did miss a ridiculous amount of tackles though and he struggled to last the 80.
I do remember that the Cheetahs tried to turn him into a hooker for a long time. Didn’t quite work out though
13 Mar 2013, 14:47 pm
I actually think that Labuagachne should be given a chance with the Springboks this year
Him and Kolisi to come through and get some game time with Schalk and Heinrich coming back too
SA loose forwards in good health
8 Vermeulen, Kankowski, Spies, Watson, Botha
7 Alberts, Labusgachne, Burger, Deysel Both Potgieters and Engelbrecht
6 Brussouw, Louw, Coetzee, Daniel, Steggman
13 Mar 2013, 14:48 pm
@hendrikp-18:
Oh and the player you might have been thinking about in regards to the Eagles is probably Bevin Fortuin.
Went from Springboks to Eagles in the space of no time. Injuries played a part. Thought he was a good player myself.
13 Mar 2013, 14:49 pm
@stormer in a tea cup –
Hasnt he been capped by the boks before?
Was sure he was older
If not then surely deserves a chance at full bacl for boks sometime again he isnt a star attraction but does his job with very little mistakes
13 Mar 2013, 14:50 pm
@hendrikp-18: @hendrikp-20: doh!
you are so right, it was bevin fortuin i was thinking of lol.
ja, i rated ashley highly too but i was always surprised bevin fortuin fell so far so quick.
haha, i am clearly in need of some excercise to get the blood flowing lol,
13 Mar 2013, 14:52 pm
ok, i am out, tjortsall.
13 Mar 2013, 14:52 pm
@Rhys7-19:
Or not. You make it look like we have an endless supply of loose-forwards. We’ve got talent there but a few of those guys mentioned are never going to cut it. Hope Heyneke doesn’t listen and then cheapens the Bok jersey.
6 Heinrich Brussow / Francois Louw (o/s puts me off though)
7 Schalk Burger / Willem Alberts / Arno Botha / Marcell Coetzee / Siya Kolisi / Lappies Labuschagne
8 Duane Vermeulen / Pierre Spies / Ryan Kankowski
13 Mar 2013, 14:57 pm
Personally would like
6 Louw
7 Burger
8 Vermeulen
19 Alberts
And then either Spies, Kankowski, Kolisi or Labusgachne to cover squad
However most people wont agree with me and I think Heynecke will go
8 Spies
7 Burger
6 Brussouw
19 Louw
And Vermeulen as squad cover
13 Mar 2013, 16:55 pm
@Rhys7-25:
6 F.Louw
7 D. Vermeulen
8 P. Spies
Spares
Alberts
Labuschagne
Brussouw
13 Mar 2013, 17:14 pm
How’s this for a Cheetahs Squad
Props
Coenie Oosthuizen
Trevor Nyakane
Guthro Steenkamp
Marcel Van Der Merwe
Hookers
Adriaan Strauss
Bismarck Du Plessis
Richardt Strauss
Tiaan Liebenberg
Locks
Flip Van Der Merwe
Lowewyk De Jager
Martin Muller
Loosies
Lappies Labuscagne
Heinreich Brussouw
Jean Deysel
Deon Stegman
Scrummies
Sarel Pretorius
Ruan Pienaar
Cobus Reinach
Flyhalves
Johan Goosen
Morne Steyn
Sias Ebersohn
Centres
Francois Steyn
Paul Jordaan
William Small-Smith
Robert Ebersohn
Francois Venter
Wings
Lionel Mapoe
Bjorn Basson
Rocco Jansen
Raymond Ruhle
Full Backs
Hennie Daniller
Willie Le Roux
Zane Kirchner
All players from the Cheetahs Region.
If I were a billionaire, if would offer each of these guys one million each to play for their home province.
13 Mar 2013, 17:29 pm
@YoMama-27:
And Duane Vermeulen
Can anyone think of more?
13 Mar 2013, 17:35 pm
@YoMama-27: Yes it is a huge pity Cheetahs don’t have the money to keep their players. Would be a brilliant squad that.
Then you have to remember a lot of those players left to other franchises while still teenagers. But you right had they the money they would probably have stayed.
Think you would have to offer many of those names much more than a million to stay.
13 Mar 2013, 17:43 pm
I think Cheetahs could definitely beat the Waratahs. Waratahs looked hopeless against the Brumbies last week. Also think Cheetahs will go on to beat the Force. They very well could pick up 3 wins on the road and hope they do.
13 Mar 2013, 17:45 pm
@YoMama-27: This would be a powerful team no doubt. Pity Cheetahs havent more money. They would need a guy like Abramovich or Berlusconi.
13 Mar 2013, 17:48 pm
@YoMama-27:
Nyekane (Bulls)
Steenkamp (Stormers)
Muller (Stormers)
Basson (Kings)
Jansen (Kings)
Dinniller (Stormers)
Le Roux (Stormers)
Are not from the Cheetahs’ region
13 Mar 2013, 19:57 pm
@The Rangerman-22:
I met Bevin Fortuin through my friends uncle last rugby season when my boy was playing in Blanco/George. Nice guy doing quite a bit for the local community type thing. He’s keen on the youngsters playing and turns up to watch and support. Didn’t help that our team beat Blanco away
13 Mar 2013, 23:26 pm
@YoMama-27: Very creative in how you claim all and sundry as Free Staters
13 Mar 2013, 23:47 pm
@hendrikp-2:
Philip van der Walt is a eightman.
He will be a good testplayer.
Strong, good defence and line out option.@Rhys7-8:
4. Lodewyk de Jager going to be on everybody lips very soon.
2.04m 118kg … still 20 years.
14 Mar 2013, 00:19 am
@mxhosa-32:
The Squad is current Cheetahs players and players originally from the Cheetahs region or who played for the Cheetahs before.@YoMama-27:
Here are another players who deserve to be in the Cheetahs squad:
Props
Wian du preez
Jannie du Plessis (you remember Bismarck, but forgot Jannie … smile)
CJ vd Linde
Loosies
Juan Smith
Ashley Johnson
Scrummies
Falie Oelschig
Centres
Meyer Bosman
Andries Strauss
Alwyn Hollenbach
Jan Serfontein
Dries Swanepoel
Full Backs
Riaan Viljoen
Joe Peterson
Coaches:
Rassie Erasmus
Pote Human
Dawie Theron
Brendan Venter
Pine Pienaar
Haaaak Vrystaaat !
14 Mar 2013, 01:02 am
Good luck Cheetahs !!!
14 Mar 2013, 08:17 am
@ 33 nicsm
what team would that be pal?
I also follow the SWD league.
14 Mar 2013, 09:17 am
The claim that the Cheetahs can’t hold onto players because they don’t have the finance is very legitimate but a lot of the blame falls on us. A good start will be to fill the stadium or at least get more people in there.
14 Mar 2013, 13:56 pm
@bokkefan-36:
Yo mamma wrote:
“All players from the Cheeatas region”.
“If I was a billionaire, if (am assuming he meant to say I) would each one of these players one millions each to play for their home province”.
If people started picking players who have played for their franchises then the Lions would pick a team that looks something like this:
1. Heinke vd Merwe/JC Janse van Rensburg
2. Schalk Brits/Bandise Maku/Callie Visagie
3. Brian Mujati/Pat Cilliers
4. Gerhard Morstert/Paul Willemse
5. Franco vd Merwe/Ruan Botha
6. Jean Deysel/Derrick Minnie
7. Willem Alberts/Jaco Kriel
8. Joe van Niekerk/Josh Strauss
9. Jano Vermaak/Rudy Paige
10. Elton Jantjies/Burton Francis
11. Bryan Habana/Anthony Volmink
12. Doppies La Grange/Alwyn Hollembach
13. Jacque Fourie/Wylon Murray
14. Louis Ludik/Ruan Combrink
15. Jaco Taute/Andries Coetzee
14 Mar 2013, 14:01 pm
@hendrikp-2: I second that… Viljoen was as, if not more, impressive than Lappies…
15 Mar 2013, 00:41 am
@mxhosa-40:
Its a good Lions Region squad.
Think they wont loose with more than 20 points against the Cheetahs Region squad mentioned in 36.
smile …
15 Mar 2013, 00:53 am
Lappies Labuschagne moving to second row is short sighted,hes got an awesome future as a loosie,Reminds one of a bigger/more robust Gerrie “The Ghost” Brits. Good player. Cheetahs need to get a proper lock,Rudi Mathee at Pumas not a bad player once was at the Sharks rated highly at one stage by Muir.Never understood why Wilhelm Steenkamp went back to play second fiddle AGAIN at Bulls.Would probably be a certainty at Cheetahs and a senior member now.
Cheetahs would do well to lure one of the marais bro’s from the Sharks or better yet PSDT even for 1 campaign
15 Mar 2013, 01:18 am
@mshiniwami-43: The Cheetahs have good locks but they are injured right now. Martin Muller and Andries Ferreira.
15 Mar 2013, 03:42 am
Mentioned on rugby heaven:
“At half-time during their game against the Chiefs, injured All Blacks midfielder Richard Kahui explained how Chiefs management had spotted that No. 12 Robert Ebersohn and No.13 Johann Sadie – both of who are in Super Rugby’s top 10 for missed tackles – tended to “turn in” and get too square while defending from set-pieces, leaving them vulnerable to well-executed wraparound plays.
It seems like just a detail, but armed with this piece of information, the Chiefs constructed two tries, as No. 10 Aaron Cruden manipulated Sadie like a marionette.”
And now the Waratahs know too…
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