The Toyota Cheetahs have conceded that they are feeling the effects of the retirement of Ruan Pienaar earlier in the year.

The forty-year-old hung up his boots in May following an illustrious career in which he played 472 first-class games over 20 years.

Sharks need to face Bulls

The defending Currie Cup champions are in a scramble to reach the semifinals and they have two big games coming up against the Suzuki Griquas, as well as the Pumas over the next two weekends.

The Cheetahs are still in a position to reach the semifinals, but they do have pressure from the Pumas for that fourth spot. They can even still finish in third as the Sharks still need to face the Bulls.

Ruan Pienaar. Picture: Morgan Piek

While the Cheetahs have pulled off some good wins during the Currie Cup – their second-half efforts recently – they’re lacking a bit of calmness, especially in the backline. This is one of those areas where Pienaar took it to the next level. Pienaar was simply just such a good player that his absence is missed by the team, and it’s not a simple task to fill his boots.

The Director of Rugby, Frans Steyn, told OFM Sport Pienaar left a big void in the team, and the leadership and skill set is something they are missing.

“There wasn’t a succession plan with Ruan,” said Steyn. “If you look at what Rassie Erasmus is doing with the Springboks – there is always a plan. There wasn’t anything like that with Ruan.

“Leadership-wise and ability-wise, there is a little bit of a role we need to fill, but we will figure it out.  We will fight. We work hard during the week, and this week is exactly the same. We will get there.”

Meanwhile, the Cheetahs will face the Griquas in Kimberley on Friday and this will be a big test for the Free State. The Peacock Blues are pretty out of the running and they will definitely be playing for pride and the bragging rights.

Friday’s derby at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley will kick off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg