Rugby
Pienaar to run out against the Cheetahs─── MORGAN PIEK 13:10 Fri, 19 Nov 2021
The Sharks have named a strong team to tackle the Toyota Cheetahs on Saturday afternoon in the Toyota Challenge in Bloemfontein. The Cheetahs captain, Ruan Pienaar, will start against the Cheetahs as he is still on loan at the Sharks.
The former Cheetah, Henco Venter, will captain the Sharks in the game, while the Springbok, Aphelele Fassi, will play off the bench after being released by the national side earlier in the week.
Venter has previously captained the Cheetahs, while Reniel Hugo, who is on the bench for the Sharks, has also skippered the Free State in the past.
The Cheetah's coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that it will hard for Pienaar.
“I think it will be difficult for him to do that. I know that he wouldn't like to play against his own team but, that is the situation where he is on loan to the Sharks. On the flip side of the coin, we have three Sharks players on loan to us.
“One will start in Jeandré Labuschagne and Thembalani Bholi and Hanro Jacobs will be on the bench for us.
“It's sort of the same way for them, but I understand it. The Sharks are preparing for their URC matches and Ruan is a kingpin in their team.
“If I were in the shoes of Sean Everitt, I would do the same and pick him.
“I think that will be great for the spectators, media, and everyone watching to see Ruan play against his own team. It is something that doesn't happen often.
“As mentioned, there will be three Sharks playing against their mates as well. I will be quite interesting for everyone watching the game.”
Saturday afternoon’s game at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 14:00.
Cheetahs - 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 David Britz, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Enver Brandt, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Aidon David (captain), 7 Jeandré Labuschagne, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Rynier Bernardo, 4 Victor Sekekete, 3 Beertjie van Vuuren, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Alulutho Tshakweni.
Replacements - 16 Wilmar Arnoldi, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Thembelani Bholi, 20 Oupa Mohoje/ Lohan Potgieter, 21 Zinedine Booysen, 22 Brandon Thomson, 23 Evardi Boshoff.
Sharks - 15 Rynhardt Jonker, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Marnus Potgieter, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Henco Venter (captain), 7 OJ Noa, 6 James Venter, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Khwezi Mona.
Replacements - 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Sanele Nohamba, 22 Jeremy Ward, 23 Aphelele Fassi.
Morgan Piek OFM Sport
