Rugby
Pienaar set for long-awaited return─── MORGAN PIEK 16:06 Wed, 24 Feb 2021
![Pienaar set for long-awaited return Pienaar set for long-awaited return | News Article](https://oscar.ofm.co.za/img/fr_202122416154.jpg?w=600&h=300&mode=crop&anchor=middlecenter&scale=both)
The Springbok scrumhalf, Ruan Pienaar, could be set for a return to play this week with the Toyota Cheetahs facing the Stormers at the Cape Town Stadium in the preparation series.
The seasoned campaigner has been out of action since round two of the SuperRugby Unlocked season after injuring his knee against the Bulls.
The 36-year-old is fully fit but may opt not to take the goal-kicking duties and rather hand the responsibility to Frans Steyn.
Pienaar told OFM Sport that after his long injury lay-off he is raring to go.
“Personally I am obviously very excited to get back playing again and just being involved. It makes me very excited.
“It will be a very tough one down in Cape Town. It's a really good Stormers team and I think that they would like to play well at their new home ground.
“I'm just excited and looking forward to getting back on the pitch.”
Saturday’s game in Green Point gets underway at 17:15.
Pienaar that the prospect of playing at the Cape Town Stadium is very exciting, but he would have loved to have been able to play at Newlands one last time.
“Personally I would have liked to have had one more shot at Newlands. I'm not a Stormers supporter at all, but there was something very special about Newlands.
“It's sad to see that Newlands won't be used anymore, but it's a great opportunity to play in another great stadium.
“Everyone is excited to see what it's like to play there and it would have been great to have a few fans there to add to the atmosphere.
“Everyone is excited to get going again and starting the new journey together with the Stormers at their new home.”
The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, will be naming his team for the clash at 10:00 on Thursday morning.
Saturday’s game in Green Point gets underway at 17:15.
@MorganPiek OFM Sport