The Namibian international backline general picked up a minor groin injury during training and did not take part in Tuesday’s session. 

He was still involved on Monday, however, and ran the team through their paces as they practised kick-offs.

Tiaan Swanepoel. Photo: Morgan Piek

Although the injury is not ideal heading into what could be a tricky encounter, the Cheetahs do have options at their disposal – even with George Lourens still sidelined due to a fractured arm. Swanepoel was in fine form during last Friday’s 42-25 win over the Pumas, slotting five conversions and managing the backline with confidence.

Ethan Wentzel is expected to return to the starting XV, and this could be the perfect opportunity for him to regain the form he showed earlier in the 2024 Currie Cup campaign before his own injury setback. 

While Wentzel is primarily a centre, players like Franco Smith Jr, as well as fullbacks Clayton Blommetjies and Cohen Jasper, could fill in at flyhalf if needed – even James Verity-Amm is an option.

Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn said there’s no use in delaying selection decisions, as it’s simply a case of the next player stepping up.

“He just has a bit of a groin niggle, but we’re not going to wait and see. The next guy must come in. The days of waiting and seeing are over,” said Steyn.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Steyn also emphasised that despite the Sharks suffering back-to-back heavy defeats to the Lions and Bulls, the Cheetahs will need to bring their A-game to Durban this weekend.

Clayton Blommetjies played flyhalf for the Cheetahs during the SA Cup. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I think we all know rugby by now – it’s not going to be easy,” said Steyn. “We need to stick to what we’ve set out to achieve, and hopefully that will work in our favour.

“I mean, I’m already thinking about the weekend. They’ve got a lot of talent in that squad, so we need to make sure our ducks are in a row.”

Saturday’s match at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium kicks off at 17:10.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs