Rugby
Cheetahs injury woes deepen ahead of Province game─── MORGAN PIEK 11:04 Wed, 13 Aug 2025
The Toyota Cheetahs have suffered a potential major injury blow ahead of their crucial Currie Cup clash against Western Province on Saturday in Bloemfontein.
Franco Smith Jr, who was set to start at flyhalf on Saturday, injured his ankle in training on Tuesday and is now highly doubtful for the match. While the full extent of the injury is still unclear, it doesn’t look good, and he could be sidelined for an extended period.
Adding to the Cheetahs’ woes, Namibian international flyhalf Tiaan Swanepoel will also be out for a couple of weeks. Swanepoel picked up a groin niggle during training last Monday and missed the 7-5 victory over the Sharks in Clermont. A scan has since revealed a grade-one groin injury, ruling him out of contention.
Clayton Blommetjies. Photo: Morgan Piek
The seasoned campaigner Clayton Blommetjies is expected to step in as the backline marshal again, as he ran the backline with Smith during Tuesday’s training session, which saw tempers flare at one stage.
The flyhalf, George Lourens, who showed tremendous form during the SA Cup, is still returning from an arm fracture he sustained against the Suzuki Griquas in Bultfontein.
The Cheetahs coach, Frans Steyn, said Smith did sustain an injury, but the silver lining is that next week, a whole host of players such as John-Kelly Okonkwo, Munier Hartzenberg, Prince Nkabinde, and Michael Annies will be back from injury.
“I’m quite angry at the moment - Franco just injured his ankle, which is frustrating,” said Steyn.
“We’ll see how serious it is. Next week, we start getting Munna back, Prince back, and John-Kelly is back – so some of the other guys are returning as well. That’s exciting.
“But for a coach, it also brings headaches when picking a team, because with some of the performances from the other guys, it won’t be easy choosing the best side from next week onwards.”
Pierre Uys. Photo: Morgan Piek
Steyn added that the team will also have to manage without Swanepoel, while versatile forward Pierre Uys, who can play at flank or lock, has started his HIA protocol following a concussion. The hope is to have him fit for the clash against the Lions.
“Tiaan went for a scan and has a grade-one niggle, so he’ll be out for a couple of weeks. Pierre has started his concussion protocol, and he’ll probably be back next week,” said Steyn.
Saturday’s match at Toyota Stadium kicks off at 14:00.
