Rugby
Steyn hails Blommetjies’ match-winning influence─── MORGAN PIEK 09:44 Tue, 26 Aug 2025
The Toyota Cheetahs coach, Frans Steyn, has praised the influence of veteran fullback Clayton Blommetjies following their crucial Currie Cup Round Five victory over the Lions in Bloemfontein on the weekend.
The 34-year-old, who celebrates his birthday on Saturday, played a pivotal role in the Cheetahs’ 47-31 win, scoring a try and slotting three conversions. Earlier this year, Blommetjies returned to the Cheetahs after a brief stint with the Stormers.
It was a challenging period for him, as his family remained in Bloemfontein while he was based in Cape Town. Before joining the Stormers, Blommetjies had represented the Free State in 132 matches and won the Currie Cup with the team in 2016 and 2019.
Clayton Blommetjies and Jarod Cairns. Photo: Morgan Piek
Upon his return during the SA Cup, he played a key role in turning the team around, helping them reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time.
Blommetjies has the ability to change the course of important games, often shining brightest when it matters most – as he did on Saturday against the Lions.
Steyn told OFM Sport that several players stepped up against the Lions, and Blommetjies could easily have been named man of the match. “He always steps up when it matters most in crucial stages of competitions,” Steyn said.
“Franco Smith and Blomme were amazing. If you look at the history of the Free State or the Cheetahs, they’ve always had a solid fullback,” added Steyn, who himself is familiar with the role at the international level.
“It was never about the most spectacular fullbacks, but when they did well and won Currie Cups, it was a guy who was solid – catches the ball, kicks it back and to the right spots, makes the right decisions. Blomme did it for us on Saturday.
“Prince Nkabinde got the man of the match accolade, but there were other guys who stood out. Daniel Maartens, who came off the bench again, was amazing. Thabang Mahlasi stole that crucial ball under the poles. Stuff like this is starting to happen – we just need to keep going and be even better next week.”
Franco Smith. Photo: Morgan Piek
Blommetjies is set for another start on Friday when the Cheetahs tackle the Suzuki Griquas in a must-win Currie Cup sixth round game.
Friday’s crucial Central Derby between the Cheetahs and the Peacock Blues at the Toyota Stadium will kick off at 17:00.
