While still very young for a loose-forward, he has been impressing his senior teammates, and an insider revealed to OFM Sport that he will most probably play against the Griquas next week. It is further believed that he may indeed play a big role in the Free State's campaign, and his lineout work as well as ability out wide has been identified as an asset.

The Cheetahs centre, William Small-Smith, told OFM Sport that Cronjé has a bright future.

“He has such a bright future ahead of him. When I look at players like him, Lesley Botha, Marcell Muller, and all the other youngsters, it makes one positive about the talent here in the Free State.

“It is really a privilege to see the young guys going through, and I hope that in 10 or 15 years’ time I can still see them playing here and root for them.

“I would like to be able to tell my son that I trained and played with them, and there is still a future for young rugby players here in the Free State.”

Cronjé declined to comment on the matter until he has actually been named in the squad.

Cronjé, who captained Grey College last year, went and plied his trade at Clermont in France, before signing with the Cheetahs.

Cronjé and Small-Smith’s younger brother, Ian, were also teammates for Grey and the Free State junior teams throughout the years.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport