The young lock has been at the Cheetahs for quite some time now but sustained an injury during a warm-up game.

Barnard was loaned following the injury to the seasoned campaigner, Rynier Bernardo.

In the meantime, Aidon Davis, was played at lock in the last two game and the former Junior Springbok impressed.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that their second-row department is depleted and Barnard is ready to play.

“Sergio Moreira is a loose-forward that can play lock, while Ockie Barnard who is on loan from the Sharks has been injured.

“He will be ready to play in the next game, so I will probably give him a chance to play from the bench.

“Those are the locks that we've got, and I as I have previously said, Aidon Davis, is a quality lineout jumper and a very good ball carrier, so it suits him to play in the tight five.”

Fourie did add that once Bernardo has recovered from his injury Davis will be move back to the side of the scrum.

The 20-year-old lock, Barnard, is excited at the prospect of possibly making his debut.

The 6 foot 6 tall second-rower, who is a product of Westville Boys’ High in Durban injured his shoulder two minutes before full-time in a warm-up game against the CUT Ixias.

Barnard told OFM Sport that he looks forward to his opportunity.

“I was out for about two weeks. I missed an opportunity to play against the Bulls, and then my first week back was against the Pumas.

“In the next few weeks, I am hoping to get some game time and hopefully get a good hit-out again.

“You just never which way the ball is going to bounce and I guess we just have to stay patient and see where things go.”

The Cheetahs tackle the Lions at 17:00 next week Saturday at the Toyota Stadium.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport