The Toyota Cheetahs winger, Daniel Kasende, has also been banned for two games following an EPCR Disciplinary hearing.

Kasende was cited following the 28-27 defeat to Oyonnax on Saturday for making use of his forearm in the contact.

Earlier in the game, Kasende, received a yellow card for playing the man in the air. The left-winger, Munier Hartzenberg suffered the same fate, however, he received a red card instead of a yellow.

Kasende was sanctioned for three games, but it will be reduced to two if he undergoes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme.

This will make him available for the crucial round of 16 playoff against Clemont on 6 April.

The Cheetahs assistant coach, Charl Strydom, told OFM Sport that their wingers form an important part of their defensive plan and it’s important to have the best players available.

“The way we defend, the wings are really important in our defence systems,” said Strydom from Lisbon in Portugal.

“To lose one is really tough, and the way the guys adapted to be able to handle that was great, because the cross-kick is a real threat, especially if you don't have a winger there.

“Kudos goes to Taps (Tapiwa Mafura) and the centres (Reinhardt Fortuin and Evardi Boshoff) for the way they adapted to cover that space.”

Also read - Hartzenberg suspended for two games

Hartzenberg, was suspended for two weeks for the red card he was issued. He was initially banned for four weeks, however, because of this clean record and admitting guilt for the offence it was downgraded to two weeks. Hartzenberg will also be available for the knockout game against Clermont.

Also read - Jasper targets a return in the SA Cup

Meanwhile, the Cheetahs are sweating over the fitness of Cohen Jasper who injured his ankle while playing on the wing during the match against Pau in Amsterdam.

Jasper is expected to make a full recovery in the coming weeks and it’s hoped that he will be fit and ready for the first two games in the SA Cup against the Boland Cavalier and Leopards, as well as the knockout game against Clermont.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport