The Toyota Cheetahs flyhalf, George Lourens, is happy about becoming a more settled member in the team following regular game time.

Lourens has become the first choice flyhalf at the Cheetahs of late, while Ruan Pienaar and Reinhardt Fortuin are more than capable in the role.

Following the departure of Siya Masuku to the Sharks at the conclusion of the Currie Cup last year, Lourens has stepped into the role.

The former Varsity Cup Player of the Year, Lourens, told OFM Sport that he is starting to feel more comfortable in his role, especially with the experience of Pienaar and Fortuin playing beside him.

“It's been great to get a few minutes under the belt just to get a bit of momentum, even though we're playing two weeks on and a few off, said Lourens.

“It's been good and I think that it's gone well, especially with what the coaches expect from me and what they want me to do. I think I've ticked off those boxes pretty well.

“With regards to Ruan and Reinhardt, it's always nice. You can just imagine the experience Ruan brings, and Reinhardt is also experienced after having played about 60 games for the Cheetahs. It's good having two experienced players next to you.

“Ruan and I are not the exact the same player, but I think it's a good thing. He's a bit more conservative and I like to have a go a bit more, but I think we balance each other out nicely. Reinhardt in turn is a brilliant defender and communicator as well.”

Lourens added that he welcomes the idea of playing in the SA Cup as from next month.

The competition will feature the Cheetahs, the Griquas, Griffons and Pumas, as well as teams such as the Boland Cavaliers and Leopards. Apart from the Currie Cup, the Cheetahs only have the EPCR Challenge Cup to play in, and it’s not a given that they Cheetahs will continue playing in the competition going forward. This is due to the Cheetahs playing in Europe on invite only.

The SA Cup gives the Cheetahs especially an opportunity to play games they can use as warm-ups for the upcoming EPCR Challenge Cup round of 16 game against Clermont in France.

Lourens said it will be hectic playing in the SA Cup, but it will certainly help the team to get game time and momentum heading into the Clermont game.

“With the SA Cup, it's always great for me. Personally, I love to play and it doesn't matter against who or in what competition, but just getting out there is always good. For the team to get momentum going into the round of 16 in the EPCR Challenge Cup it's good to have a few proper games before that.

“I played for Boland as well, so I know that those competitions are about - with the traveling and stuff, it's a hectic schedule, but I'm sure that the guys will be up for it.”

The Cheetah next match will be on 23 March against the Boland Cavaliers in the SA Cup.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport