Rugby
Cheetahs geared for tough Boland opener─── MORGAN PIEK 09:04 Tue, 04 Mar 2025
The Toyota Cheetahs are fine-tuning their preparations ahead of their SA Cup opener against the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington on Saturday.
The Cheetahs are set to announce their team for the match on Tuesday afternoon, and there may be one or two surprise changes, particularly in the backline.
George Lourens is expected to start at flyhalf for the Cheetahs, as Ethan Wentzel is still recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in the EPCR Challenge Cup. He has also been dealing with a recent back niggle.
George Lourens. Photo: Morgan Piek
The selection at loose forward will be another interesting one, given the Cheetahs’ depth in this department. Neels Volschenk, who was still playing Varsity Cup rugby just a year ago, could wear the number six jersey, as Gideon van der Merwe continues his rehab for an ankle fracture. Former Shimlas captain Pierre Uys is likely to start on the other flank, while Jeandré Rudolph is set to wear the number eight jersey.
The Cavaliers boast an exciting backline with plenty of flair and x-factor, capable of launching attacks from anywhere if given space. The Cheetahs, however, may have the upper hand in the forward battle, and they will need to play to their strengths against a Boland side with a strong Griffons influence.
Cheetahs loose forward Volschenk told OFM Sport that dominance up front will be crucial, and they will need to earn the right to go wide.
“It’s definitely going to be a tough one for us. I think not many of the guys have played there before, so we’re looking forward to the challenge. It’s going to be a hostile environment,” said Volschenk.
“They have a good team with quality coaches and solid structures in place, so we know it will be a tough game. But we’re up for the challenge.
Cheetahs vs Boland. Photo: Morgan Piek
“They have a dangerous backline with plenty of agility and speed, so we’ll be looking to take them on up front and dominate there. We pride ourselves on our set pieces, whether it’s lineouts or scrums. At the end of the day, that’s where a lot of matches are won.
“We also don’t want to put ourselves under unnecessary pressure by forcing a particular style of play and making avoidable mistakes. As you said, it’s about picking the right moments and identifying opportunities to play the kind of rugby we want to play.”
Saturday’s match between Boland and the Cheetahs in Wellington will kick off at 15:00.
