Goosen is back for the 1st SuperXV game.

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Cape Town - The Cheetahs will get the services of injured Springboks Coenie Oosthuizen and Johan Goosen back for their first Super Rugby game this year.

Coach Naka Drotské's men kick off their Super-campaign against the Sharks in Bloemfontein on February 23, and according to the Volksblad website, the duo is expected to be fit by then.

Prop Oosthuizen is suffering from a back injury while flyhalf Goosen has been sidelined with a knee injury.

In a further boost to the central franchise, other injured players in fullback Willie le Roux (groin), flank Lappies Labuschagné (ankle) and No 8 Philip van der Walt (knee) should also be ready, while flank Heinrich Brüssow (shoulder) has an outside chance to be fit in time.

The Cheetahs play two warm-up games against the Lions (26 January) and Bulls (February 9) before beginning the season-proper.

Drotské said Oosthuizen and Goosen are likely to make their returns in the second warm-up game against the Bulls.

"Johan (Goosen) was sick this week and didn't train, but has kicked for posts and his knee is looking good. He may play in the practice game against the Bulls."


 

  Read more on:    cheetahs  |  super 15  |  johan goosen  |  coenie oosthuizen  |  bloemfontein  |  rugby

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Great news as I understood Goosen was out for 6 months. We need Goosen and Coenie for the Boks

Saffex

I believ tht when the operation was performed in mid-September it was sadi that he would be out of rugby for 4 months.   in other words he could start playing in and about mid-to-end January 2013.   It is evident that his quack is satisfied about the operation and that he could be back as per forecast.  

I am delighted that he is back - and hope he bulked up a few kilos during his sabbatical - would like to eee him coming in at a weight of around 94 kilos.  

He is a flyhalf so am not concerned about his size. He is 88kg which is fine, but am sure he will have been spending time in the gym anyway

Saffex

It is not really his weight that is his problem - it is the development of further muscular strength that could help in prevention of future imjuries.

Rugby is a physical game all players get injured. No doubt Goosen is doing gym work and lets hope he stays away from injury - its too early to conclude whether he is going to be another injury prone Bekker, Coenie or Murray

Cheetahs could be getting quite a bit of quality back. Goosen, Coenie, Brussouw and maybe even Juan Smith. The others mentioned are useful players too.

I am particulary interested to see if Johan Sadie can resurrect his rugby career and whether Rhule will make a real impact.

Cheetahs will be as always be an entertaining side to watch. Pity Ashley Johnston left and also that tighthead to the bulle.

Saffex

I never said that Goosen is injury-prone - I merely said that muscular strenght has an affect that it can reduce potential future injuries.   Believe it or not - that is a scientific fact.

Beeno

Johnston was not a major loss - he struggld to even be on the bench for the Cheetahs.   I saw him playing for his club on TV and he was really only average to poor.   I guess that by now they realize that - like the case was with the Stormers insofar as Silky Hands Jantjies is concerened -  they have made a serious contractual error to sign him up.