The Cheetahs will be without three key players for Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup clash against Stade Français in Amsterdam.
Coach Frans Steyn confirmed that lock and captain Victor Sekekete suffered a fractured cheekbone during the 42-12 defeat to the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park last weekend, while flyhalf Jaco van der Walt and centre Zander du Plessis both have hamstring niggles and are rested as a precaution.
“It’s a big loss for us, but it also gives other guys a chance to show what they’re worth,” Steyn said.
Lock Curtly Thomas and flyhalf George Lourens have been flown in as cover, while scrumhalf Marco Jansen van Vuren may be asked to slot into the midfield if required.
The Cheetahs produced a spirited second-half display against Exeter and Steyn wants to carry that fight into Amsterdam.
“We were physical, we were dominant in some collisions, and there were good individual performances,” he said. “We made a few small errors, and against quality opposition you get punished every time.”
MORE: Cheetahs chase bonus-point win
Steyn expects a bruising battle against Stade Français.
“They’ve got a big pack. It’s going to be tough for us,” he said. “But I’m happy with what I saw from our guys in that second half, and we want to build on that this weekend.”
Saturday’s match kicks off at 3pm (SA time).
Photo: Bryan Keane/INPHO
The post Cheetahs suffer triple injury blow appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.