Over the weekend, the Cheetahs played against each other in a few contact chukkas which led to a few minor injuries, while the hooker, Wilmar Arnoldi, may miss the entire Currie Cup.

Coach Hawies Fourie told OFM Sport that the player sustained a fracture to his cheekbone.

“It was a good exercise for us, but unfortunately we had a few injuries.

“Wilmar Arnoldi has a fractured cheekbone so he will be out for two to three months.

“The other injuries are just minor niggles, so those guys will be back in training within a weeks’ time.

“We are looking forward to this Friday when we will play 60 minutes of contact again.”

The injury does leave the door open for the Namibian international hooker, Chucky van der Westhuizen, to earn a starting role in the Currie Cup. 

The other options in the number two jersey for Fourie will be Marnus van der Merwe and Reinach Venter. Van der Merwe can also play flank, while Venter has played prop for the Free State in the past.

The other injured players are the Namibian international tighthead prop, Aranos Coetzee, and the former Maties flyhalf, Reinhardt Fortuin. Both sustained ankle injuries, while the centre, Howard Mnisi, strained his hamstring.

The Cheetahs are still set to face the Griquas next week Saturday in a warm-up game before the Currie Cup kicks off in October.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport