The Cheetahs began their pre-season training on Monday. However, in a few weeks’ time, captain and hooker Chucky van der Westhuizen, tighthead prop Aranos Coetzee, and flyhalf Tiaan Swanepoel will depart to join the Namibian national team for the all-important 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.

The Welwitschias are set to take on Senegal on 8 July in Kampala, Uganda, in the quarter-finals of the African qualification tournament for the World Cup, which will be staged in Australia. While Van der Westhuizen, Coetzee, and Swanepoel are key figures in the Cheetahs’ setup, they are just as crucial for the Namibian side.

Aranos Coetzee. Photo: Morgan Piek

The tighthead prop position, in particular, poses some interesting questions. Robert Hunt has signed with the Dragons in Wales, while Laurence Victor has joined the Cavaliers. 

At present, Hencus van Wyk is contracted to cover both loosehead and tighthead roles. The Cheetahs also have Frankie dos Reis, who has just one senior appearance to his name, and former Wits and UCT Ikeys tighthead John Kelly Okonkwo, who is new and yet untested at this level.

At hooker, the Cheetahs appear to have adequate depth with Vernon Paulo and Marko Janse van Rensburg providing solid options. At flyhalf, George Lourens has shown good form, and Ethan Wentzel has returned from injury to bolster the ranks, while Franco Smith Jr can also marshal the backline.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Namibian captain Van der Westhuizen said this period presents an opportunity for others in the squad to step up.

“Yes, Aranos, Tiaan, and I will be joining Namibia for the World Cup qualifiers in July,” Van der Westhuizen confirmed. “It falls within the international Test window, so it's a critical time for us to help our country qualify for the 2027 World Cup.

“But it’s also a big opportunity for the rest of the boys at the Cheetahs, especially the new signings or those who haven’t had much game time, to prove themselves and show their value to the team. I really hope everyone grabs the opportunity with both hands so we can get our Currie Cup campaign off to a strong start.

Tiaan Swanepoel. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The goal is to build a squad where anyone can step into a role seamlessly, without a drop in performance. Hopefully, this marks the beginning of something fresh and positive for the Cheetahs.”

Meanwhile, veteran Cheetahs lock Carl Wegner has begun his rehabilitation following the hamstring injury he sustained during the first half of the Cheetahs’ 106-7 win over the Border Bulldogs in the SA Cup at the end of April. He is aiming for a return during the Currie Cup campaign but is taking a cautious approach to his recovery.

The Cheetahs will kick-off their Currie Cup season on 27 July against the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh