The Cheetahs will be without flyhalf Franco Smith for Saturday’s Currie Cup semi-final against Griquas in Kimberley.
Smith has been ruled out with a concussion sustained from a high tackle by Vodacom Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee at Loftus last weekend.
The flanker was red-carded in the 49th minute, which helped the Cheetahs storm back from 35-5 down to secure two bonus points in a 35-31 defeat – enough to qualify for the semis at the expense of the Pumas and end third on the log.
With George Lourens, Tiaan Swanepoel and Ethan Wentzel all sidelined, coach Frans Steyn must turn to either Clayton Blommetjies or Cohen Jasper at No 10.
Meanwhile, winger Prince Nkabinde said the Cheetahs were embracing their underdogs tag against Griquas, who hammered them 40-10 in Bloemfontein two weeks ago.
“We’re pretty stoked as a team for this coming weekend,” he told OFM Sport. “Excited more than anything to play in the semi-final. It’s a huge blessing for us, and we know the challenge ahead on Saturday.
“We just want to showcase what this team is capable of, play our brand of rugby, and leave no stone unturned.
“This week, we’re focusing on ourselves – what we need to do better, what we need to rectify from previous games against them, and how we can improve from our game against the Bulls. But more than anything, we’re just excited. We’re going to Kimberley as underdogs, but it’s a good challenge for us.”
ALSO: Boland sweat over playmakers’ fitness
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:15pm, following the first semi-final between the Lions and Boland Cavaliers at Ellis Park at 5pm.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Cheetahs face flyhalf crisis ahead of semi appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.