The Cheetahs' lineup for the upcoming Currie Cup remains a question mark, especially regarding Springbok sensation Faf de Klerk. With South Africa's scrumhalf stocks dwindling due to injuries, all eyes are on whether Faf will grace the domestic fields or get snatched back into the Springbok fold by coach Rassie Erasmus.
Faf de Klerk, who has recently committed to a two-year stint with the Free State Cheetahs and has already started training with the team, finds his participation in limbo. Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn shared his predicament, "I don’t know what Rassie’s plans are. A guy must wait and see what happens there and whether we’ll have him for the Currie Cup. I don’t know that either." With key players like Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, and Morné van den Berg sidelined, the national team's need could override club commitments.
"There are a lot of injuries at scrumhalf. It would be great to have him here as soon as possible, but we’ll have to wait and see."
Despite the uncertainty, Steyn has been impressed with De Klerk's immediate impact. "He immediately came in and started helping the nines and tens. He got involved straight away and I think it’s going to be very good for our team with him, Jaco van der Walt, Marco Jansen van Vuren and Rewan Kruger around. We can make the younger guys better with the experience we now have in the group."
The Cheetahs are also gearing up for the Toyota Challenge, and although De Klerk's participation is doubtful for the kickoff this Friday against the Portuguese team Lusitanos, the squad looks robust. Lusitanos, essentially Portugal's A team, will bring six players from their 2024 historic Test against the Springboks in Bloemfontein, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
The suspense over De Klerk's availability continues to hover like a dark cloud, but the silver lining is his undeniable influence and the depth building within the Cheetahs' ranks. As the Currie Cup approaches, all involved will be keenly watching Erasmus' next move.
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The Cheetahs' lineup for the upcoming Currie Cup remains a question mark, especially regarding Springbok sensation Faf de Klerk. With South Africa's scrumhalf stocks dwindling due to injuries, all eyes are on whether Faf will grace the domestic fields or get snatched back into the Springbok fold by coach Rassie Erasmus.
Faf de Klerk, who has recently committed to a two-year stint with the Free State Cheetahs and has already started training with the team, finds his participation in limbo. Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn shared his predicament, "I don’t know what Rassie’s plans are. A guy must wait and see what happens there and whether we’ll have him for the Currie Cup. I don’t know that either." With key players like Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, and Morné van den Berg sidelined, the national team's need could override club commitments.
"There are a lot of injuries at scrumhalf. It would be great to have him here as soon as possible, but we’ll have to wait and see."
Despite the uncertainty, Steyn has been impressed with De Klerk's immediate impact. "He immediately came in and started helping the nines and tens. He got involved straight away and I think it’s going to be very good for our team with him, Jaco van der Walt, Marco Jansen van Vuren and Rewan Kruger around. We can make the younger guys better with the experience we now have in the group."
The Cheetahs are also gearing up for the Toyota Challenge, and although De Klerk's participation is doubtful for the kickoff this Friday against the Portuguese team Lusitanos, the squad looks robust. Lusitanos, essentially Portugal's A team, will bring six players from their 2024 historic Test against the Springboks in Bloemfontein, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
The suspense over De Klerk's availability continues to hover like a dark cloud, but the silver lining is his undeniable influence and the depth building within the Cheetahs' ranks. As the Currie Cup approaches, all involved will be keenly watching Erasmus' next move.