This comes despite injuries to the fleet-footed Michael Annies and Munier Hartzenberg, who also features at centre for the Cheetahs. Prince Nkabinde was also unavailable for the match against Georgia due to a hand injury he picked up in the warm-up game against the Suzuki Griquas a week earlier in Bultfontein.

On Friday night, Banie Britz and debutant Ntokozo Makhaza made their mark during the historic 24–20 win over Georgia in Bloemfontein. Makhaza dotted down twice, while his first try was set up by Brits – who also managed to cross the whitewash.

Prince Nkabinde. Photo: Morgan Piek

Pienaar, who stood in as head coach for the match, told OFM Sport that it’s a “good headache” to have.

“I think we’re going to have a bit of a selection problem when all the outside backs are fit,” said Pienaar.

“Prince (Nkabinde) has been unbelievable for us over the past two seasons. Cohen Jasper has been in really good form, and Banie played very well on Friday night.

“Then Munier Hartzenberg still needs to come back from injury. I mean, there are loads of quality outside backs, so it’s going to be a nice problem to have when everyone’s fit and ready to go.

“But yes, Ntokozo performed really well in his first outing against a quality side like that. We’re happy that we managed to sign him, and I’m sure there will be plenty more performances like that from him going forward.”

Banie Britz. Photo: Morgan Piek

It’s not only among the outside backs where the Cheetahs will face selection dilemmas. At tighthead prop, they currently have two exciting young talents in Ben Pitout and Frankie dos Reis, while veteran Namibian international Aranos Coetzee is still set to return following the Rugby World Cup qualifiers.

The loose forward department is already fiercely competitive — and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.

The Cheetahs will kick off their Currie Cup campaign on Sunday, 27 July, against the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg