It’s the Carling Currie Cup semi-finals and the Toyota Cheetahs are ready to battle it out against the Griquas on Saturday evening in Kimberley. The action kicks off at 19:15 (SA Time).
Coach Frans Steyn made one change to the starting line-up from last weekend's game against the Vodacom Bulls, with Clayton Blommetjie, who moves from fullback to flyhalf, replacing the injured Franco Smith. Michael Annies will be wearing the number 15 jersey, and Ali Mgijima will provide cover on the bench.
Toyota Cheetahs coach, Frans Steyn: “I’m proud of the boys for the way they’ve fought to reach the semi-finals. The work was done throughout the season, and now it’s about executing on the day. We need to focus on what we do best, enjoy the game, and play for each other.”
“Against Griquas earlier in the season, we let small individual errors creep in, and those moments made the scoreline look worse than the performance. We’ve learned from that, and we’re determined to put together a complete 80-minute performance this weekend.”
“For me, we’ve already achieved something special this season. But at the same time, semi-finals are about delivering when it matters most, and the boys know what’s at stake.”
Toyota Cheetahs captain, Victor Sekekete: “We’re excited for the challenge ahead. Everyone in the squad wants more. We’re improving week by week, and we know we need to step up against Griquas. Last time we didn’t get it right, but this is our chance to fix that.”
Toyota Cheetahs: 1. Cameron Dawson, 2. Marko Jansen van Rensburg, 3. Frankie Dos Reis, 4. Juan Venter, 5. Victor Sekekete (c), 6. Gideon van der Merwe, 7. Pierre Raymond Uys, 8. Neels Volschenk, 9. Jandré Nel, 10. Clayton Blommetjies, 11. Cohen Jasper, 12. Carel-Jan Coetzee, 13. Marco Janse van Vuren, 14. Prince Nkabinde, 15. Michael Annies. Replacements: 16. Vernon Paulo, 17. Tielman Niewoudt, 18. John Kelly Okonkwo, 19. Sisonke Vumazonke, 20. Daniel Maartens, 21. Rewan Kruger, 22. Ali Mgijima,
Unavailable due to injury
Carl Wegner (hamstring), George Lourens (hand/forearm), Dux Manyama (hamstring), Pieter Janse van Vuren (hamstring), Tiaan Swanepoel (groin), Ntokozo Makhaza (ankle), Munier Hartzenberg (hamstring), Louis van der Westhuizen (calf), James Verity-Amm (neck), Ethan Wentzel (ankle), Curtly Ambrose Thomas (hamstring), Litha Nkula (hand), Franco Smith (concussion).
