The Cheetahs have one advantage when discussing their chances in the upcoming local rugby season. They are everybody's second team. If your team are not playing 80% of the country's rugby supporters will want the Cheetahs to win.
Unfortunately one can not ignore the fact that their status as one of the top teams in South Africa is under serious threat. Their squad is one that is balanced almost to perfection but Bart agreed with me that apart from one or maximum two players nobody else would make it into the squads of the Bulls or the Sharks.
The Cheetahs balance of their squad is almost perfect with injuries to players that will not be as catastrophic as in the case with the Bulls and Sharks in certain positions. However, the age of the squad is concerning to me while Barts still insist it could be a good thing.
The lack of youth in the squad clearly indicates a short term determination to compete with the big four. This, however, could be fatal in two or three years.
Head coach Hawies Fourie will be a vital part of the success of this team. Hopefully, some of the senior players will allow Hawies to coach and stick to playing themselves. He proved himself wherever he coached and now needs time to settle in as coach and deliver his magic.
The Cheetahs squad for 2020 is:
Backs: Adriaan Carelse, Craig Barry, Clayton Blommetjies, Malcolm Jaer, Tapiwa Mafura, Ryno Smith, Carel-Jan Coetzee, Duncan Saal, Rosko Specman, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Dries Swanepoel, William Small-Smith, Frans Steyn, Howard Mnisi, Chris Smit, Tian Schoeman, Reinhardt Fortuin, Rewan Kruger, Ruan Pienaar, Tian Meyer, Ruben de Haas.
Forwards: Boan Venter, Charles Marais, Erich de Jager, Aranos Coetzee, Luan de Bruin, Reinach Venter, Marnus van der Merwe, Louis van der Westhuizen, Wilmar Arnoldi, JP du Preez, Walt Steenkamp, Reniel Hugo, Carl Wegner, Jasper Wiese, Chris Massyn, Oupa Mohoje, Andisa Ntsila, Aidon Davis, Junior Pokomela.