Springbok Trevor Nyakane has a lot of work to do if he is to win his place back in the starting line-up for the Toyota Cheetahs.
Nyakane, who became a Springbok last year but then was sent home for disciplinary issues, seems to have fallen behind former Lion Caylib Oosthuizen in the pecking order, as he was named on the bench for the Cheetahs final warm-up game against the Pumas in Bloemfontein this weekend.
The match was originally scheduled for Parys, but was moved back to Bloemfontein where it will take place at the Old Greys rugby fields on Saturday.
Coach Naka Drotske named his strongest side for the clash as the team moves closer to what they want to achieve before the start of Vodacom Super Rugby on February 14.
Included in the starting line-up are the two recruits from the Bulls – midfielder Francois Venter and flank Jean Cook, while former Blitzbok star Cornal Hendricks has been selected on the wing.
Ironically the duo of Venter and Johann Sadie was the same one that started the competition for the Bulls in 2013 before Sadie quit the team mid-season. At the time there was a lot of excitement at the combination of flair in the backline and it is hoped that this will continue this year at the Cheetahs.
Springbok hooker Adriaan Strauss will captain the side, with two Oosthuizens – Caylib and Bok Coenie making out the front row.
The loose trio looks extremely promising with Cook joining Lappies Labuschagne and Philip van der Walt to give the Cheetah pack a mean look.
As expected, former Kings scrumhalf Shaun Venter will start the game, with Sarel Pretorius likely to get 20 minutes on Saturday, and Bok flyhalf Johan Goosen will be tested for the full 80 minutes as he continues his return from injury.
Bok Willie le Roux has been rested for another week after falling awkwardly in the pre-season game against Griquas a few weeks back. He is expected to be ready for the start of the season though and has only been excluded as a precaution.
On the bench former SA under-20 star Max van Dyk joins a host of Cheetahs regulars, including Boom Prinsloo, True Blue Smit and Ligtoring Landman.
Toyota Cheetahs team to face Pumas: Hennie Daniller, Cornal Hendricks, Johann Sadie, Francois Venter, Raymond Rhule, Johan Goosen, Shaun Venter, Philip van der Walt, Lappies Labuschagne, Jean Cook, Francois Uys, Lodewyk de Jager, Coenie Oosthuizen, Adriaan Strauss (capt), Caylib Oosthuizen.
Reserves: Ryno Barnes, Trevor Nyakane, Max van Dyk, Ligtoring Landman, Boom Prinsloo, Sarel Pretorius, Elgar Watts, Ryno Benjamin, Riaan Smit.
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