Rugby
Strauss set for a move to the Bulls─── 09:53 Wed, 02 Jul 2014
Morgan Piek
Bloemfontein - One of the worse kept secrets in local rugby is out, with the news that Toyota Cheetahs captain and Springbok hooker, Adriaan Strauss has been linked with a move to the Bulls.
According to reports, the player opted not to take an extension on his contact, when it expires on 31 October this year.
Should Strauss take up an offer at the Pretoria franchise, he will become the 10th player to swap his Cheetahs jersey for another.
Other current Cheetahs who have already confirmed moves are Johan Goosen (Racing Metro – France), Phillip van der Walt (Biarritz – France), Riaan Smit (Oyonnax – France), Hennie Daniller, Andries Ferreira ( both Zebre – Italy), Ligtoring Landman (Newport and Gwent Dragons), Johann Sadie (NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes- Japan), Kevin Luiters (EP Kings) and Nick Schonert (Worcester Warriors – England).
Last night, Strauss told OFM Sport via text message that his pending move to the Bulls is just talks at this stage..
The bad news doesn't end there for the Central South African franchise. Springbok prop, Trevor Nyakane, is linked with a move to the Stormers in Cape Town, while flanker Lappies Labuschagné could also be heading to Pretoria or Durban.
Meanwhile, the Cheetahs will name their side this afternoon to take on the Sharks in Bloemfontein over the weekend.
Although, coach Naka Drotské won’t have the luxury of Heinrich Brüssow in his side, he will have the like of Philip van der Walt, Oupa Mohoje and Jean Cook to select in this back row.
Other returning players are scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius and lock Lood de Jager, who scored two tries for the Springboks against Scotland last week.
Former Cheetahs prop Lourens Adriaanse, who now plies his trade at the Sharks, has conceded that the pressure will be on them to secure a play-offs spot.
Saturday evening’s Super Rugby clash at the Free State Stadium kicks off at 19:10.
