Coach Frans Steyn is backing new flyhalf signing Jaco van der Walt to make an impact for the Cheetahs in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
The 31-year-old former Scotland international has been included in the Cheetahs’ touring squad for their clashes against the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on 7 December and Stade Francais at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam on 13 December.
Van der Walt recently moved to Bloemfontein from the Vodacom Bulls, where his game time was limited.
Steyn says the playmaker has already shown enough in training to convince him he can lift the Cheetahs in European conditions.
“I played against him when he was still at Edinburgh and I was at Montpellier,” Steyn said. “He’s a good guy and he just needs a bit of backing. You can see his touches and understanding of the game at training. I think he will be good for us.”
The Cheetahs have also boosted their midfield options with De-an Ackermann and Zander du Plessis. Steyn believes Ackermann brings a familiar skill set.
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“De-an reminds me of Benhard Janse van Rensburg with the way he plays and his touches on the ball,” he said.
Hooker Louis “Chucky” van der Westhuizen will captain the team in the Challenge Cup.
Cheetahs squad:
Forwards: Aranos Coetzee, Cameron Dawson, Frankie Dos Reis, Marko Janse van Rensburg, Daniel Maartens, Tielman Niewoudt, Vernon Paulo, Victor Sekekete, Pierre Uys, Gideon van der Merwe, Chucky van der Westhuizen, Juan Venter, Neels Volschenk, Sisonke Vumazonke, Carl Wegner.
Backs: De-an Ackerman, Michael Annies, Clayton Blommetjies, Zander du Plessis, Munier Hartzenberg, Cohen Jasper, Rewan Kruger, Jandre Nel, Prince Nkabinde, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Jaco van der Walt.
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