The leading try-scorer in the Guinness PRO14, Rhyno Smith, will be out of action for anywhere from three to six weeks after sustaining a quad injury during Friday’s contact session.

This does come as a blow to the Cheetahs, however, they have adequate depth among the outside backs.

Smith told OFM Sport that he is optimistic about his recovery.

“The injury is not quite the career or season-ender as that article on Facebook makes it out to be.

“I did have a quad tear or stain, but at this point, it is quite unsure how long I will be out. I should be able to part take in the Super Rugby leg of the upcoming tournament.

“We are looking at about four to six weeks, of which it started last week already.

“I will almost certainly miss the first game, but starting from the second week, which will be the Bulls game, I will be close to ready or ready for that.”

Players that could be called upon to don the number 15 jumper include Malcolm Jaer and Craig Barry, while there is also the seasoned Clayton Blommetjies.

A week prior, the Cheetahs suffered their first casualty from the contact training when the hooker, Wilmar Arnoldi, fractured his cheekbone during a training session. This has almost certainly ruled him out for the season. There has been a suggestion that there are negotiations to bring the former Cheetahs number two, Jacques du Toit, in as cover to build on the depth.

However, at this stage, it would appear that the Namibian international hooker, Chucky van der Westhuizen, will be in line for a starting role.

On Saturday the Cheetahs and Tafel Lager Griquas will battle it out in Kimberley in the first of two warm-up games.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport