Lourens, who has been in fine form during the SA Cup, fractured his arm in the 40-19 defeat to the Peacock Blues in the farming town an hour’s drive from Bloemfontein.

The playmaker picked up a hairline fracture in his right forearm during the physical encounter and has since been ruled out. He is expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks, a blow to the Cheetahs, especially ahead of Friday’s clash against Georgia, the showpiece of their 130th anniversary celebrations.

Marco Jansen van Vuren and George Lourens. Photo: Morgan Piek

On the brighter side, Ethan Wentzel made his return against the Griquas. Although still a bit rusty, he managed to get through a solid hour on the park and is expected to be sharper by Friday. 

Wentzel had been out for six months with lingering back and shoulder niggles but showed encouraging signs on his return. While the injury to Lourens will test the Cheetahs’ depth at flyhalf, they still have options such as Clayton Blommetjies to call on, while Franco Smith Jr has rejoined training after his wedding in Italy.

The tall and lanky Shaun Rey is also training with the squad. The 21-year-old could be considered in the pivot role should the need arise.

Ethan Wentzel. Photo: Morgan Piek

Lourens wasn’t the only casualty on Friday as the centre, Marco Jansen van Vuren, suffered a nasty cut to the head, and it remains to be seen if he will be fit and ready for Georgia.

In another development, Ruan Pienaar, takes over as the teams head coach for the match against the Lelos.

Meanwhile, Georgia are set to arrive in Bloemfontein on Friday after departing Tbilisi over the weekend following their defeat to Ireland.

Friday’s clash between the Cheetahs and Georgia at Toyota Stadium kicks off at 19:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh