Rugby
FS Cheetahs change three for Griquas derby─── MORGAN PIEK 15:13 Thu, 29 Sep 2016
The Toyota Free State Cheetahs have made just three changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s Currie Cup derby against the Griquas.
The winger, Sergeal Petersen, is out for the match but sees Raymond Rhule return after missing out the 52-10 drubbing of the Pumas a week ago.
Upfront Henco Venter replaces the injured Tier Schoeman at flank, while Jacques du Toit retains the No 2 jersey, with Torsten van Jaarsveld on the bench.
Ox Nche returns to start at loosehead prop, with Charles Marais moving to the bench.
Boela Serfontein comes on the bench in the place of Armandt Koster.
The Cheetahs captain, Francois Venter, told OFM Sport that although they already have a home semi-final secured, it remains an important game.
“We aren’t focussed on the semi-finals yet, out focus in on the Griquas.
“We want to improve ourselves, there is still a lot rugby to be played and there is still a lot work to be done.
“It’s huge to be a huge game, especially for them. They need to prove themselves and maybe come play Super Rugby.
“So there’s a lot riding on this game.
The Griquas stalwart, Steph Roberts, has been declared fit and will run out what will likely be his last match.
Saturday’s big derby between the Free State Cheetahs and the Griquas at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 14:00.
Toyota FS Cheetahs – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Raymond Rhule, 13 Francois Venter (captain), 12 Nico Lee, 11 Rayno Benjamin, 10 Niel Marais, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Niell Jordaan, 7 Uzair Cassiem, 6 Henco Venter, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Jacques du Toit, Ox Nche.
Replacements – 16 Torsten van Jaarsveld, 17 Charles Marais, 18 Boela Serfontein, 19 Tienie Burger, 20 Zee Mkhabela, 21 Fred Zeilinga, 22 William Small-Smith.
Griquas - 15 AJ Coertzen (Captain), 14 Ederies Arendse, 13 Jonathan Francke, 12 Andre Swart, 11 Alshaun Bock, 10 Elgar Watts, 9 Renier Botha, 8 Jason Fraser, 7 Jono Janse van Rensburg, 6 Wendal Wehr, 5 Mzwanele Zito, 4 Jonathan Adendorf, 3 Liam Hendricks, 2 Marius Fourie, 1 Steph Roberts.
Replacements – 16 Sidney Tobias, 17 Devon Martinus, 18 Steven Meiring, 19 Thabo Mabuza, 20 Eric Zana, 21 Ntabeni Dukisa, 22 Steven Moir.
Morgan Piek OFM Sport
