Namibian internationals Chucky van der Westhuizen, Aranos Coetzee, and Tiaan Swanepoel are all back in Bloemfontein and ready to don the Cheetahs jersey once again. The trio had been on duty with the Welwitschias in Kampala, Uganda, for the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers. However, they had to remain in East Africa for an extra week after Namibia fell short of securing direct qualification for the tournament in Australia.

Instead, Namibia had to contest a playoff against the United Arab Emirates for a place in the repechage tournament later this year. They comfortably won that clash 86–29, booking their spot in the Final Qualification Tournament set to take place in Dubai in November.

Aranos Coetzee. Photo: Morgan Piek

On Friday night, veteran tighthead prop Coetzee is expected to start in the front row, with the impressive Frankie du Reis likely rotating to the bench. Swanepoel, meanwhile, is set to make his Currie Cup debut for the Cheetahs at flyhalf.

Van der Westhuizen, who captained the team during the SA Cup, may feature off the bench after Vernon Paulo put in a solid performance against the Boland Cavaliers, despite receiving a late yellow card during the dramatic 37–35 defeat.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Van der Westhuizen admitted that missing out on direct World Cup qualification was disappointing — but he’s happy to be back with the Cheetahs.

“Obviously, it’s disappointing for us going into the repechage with Namibia — but that’s rugby,” Van der Westhuizen said.

“As Frans (Steyn) always says, ‘If you’re not first, you’re last’. So, we’ll regroup and fight again at the end of the year. It’s a tough road ahead, but not all hope is lost.

“It’s good to be back with the Cheetahs. We’ve got exciting rugby ahead, starting this weekend against the Pumas — they’re a quality side. We know Jimmy (Stonehouse) always has a few tricks up his sleeve, so this is a must-win home game for us.

“Looking back at last weekend, I think we let a big opportunity slip. A few defensive errors and too many penalties in the first half put us under pressure. In the Currie Cup, if you don’t pitch up, you’re going to take a few shots.

Tiaan Swanepoel. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’ll need to be a lot sharper against the Pumas. Aranos, Tiaan, and I are all back, but we’ll see what coach Frans decides in terms of selection. It’s about making sure we’re up to speed with all the calls and systems.

“But yeah, I’m excited to be back. It’s always special being with the boys again — with the brothers, with the family. It’s good to be home.”

A few changes can be expected to the side that lost to the Cavaliers in the opening round, but the Cheetahs will only announce their matchday squad later in the week.

Friday’s must-win clash between the Cheetahs and the Pumas at Toyota Stadium kicks off at 19:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs