Rugby
Swys back to lead the Cheetahs─── MORGAN PIEK 12:09 Thu, 23 Mar 2017
The Toyota Cheetahs captain, Francois Venter, is back from injury to lead the team against the Sharks in the Super Rugby on Saturday.
Venter will play at outside centre, while Nico Lee also returns from injury to help patrol the midfield.
The team received a further boost with both the winger Sergeal Petersen and Raymond Rhule being declared fit for the match.
Fred Zeilinga returns to flyhalf while Shaun Venter gets his first start of the season at scrumhalf.
Upfront Ox Nche returns from injury to play at loosehead with Torsten van Jaarsveld also returning after being rested.
The lock Justin Basson has recovered from his niggle and replaces Armandt Koster in the second row.
Venter told OFM Sport that it’s been frustrating not being able to play but it’s looking forward to the challenge.
“The Sharks is a quality outfit, they are going to test us in all facets of the game.
“I’m very excited just to return.
“Hopefully I can make a meaningful contribution and generate some excitement, I think that’s what is needed in Bloemfontein.
“I’m very confident with the side and I’m sure everything is going to work out”.
Saturday evening’s match between the Cheetahs and the Sharks at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 17:15.
Toyota Cheetahs – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Francois Venter (captain), 12 Nico Lee, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Henco Venter, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Tier Schoeman, 5 Francois Uys, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements – 16 Elandré Huggett, 17 Charles Marais, 18 Tom Botha, 19 Carl Wegner, 20 Niell Jordaan, 21 Tian Meyer, 22 Neil Marais, 23 Rayno Benjamin / Clinton Swart.
Sharks - 15 Clement Poitrenaud, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Tera Mtembu (captain), 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements - 16 Stephan Coetzee, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Daniel du Preez, 21 Michael Claassens, 22 Jeremy Ward, 23 Garth April.
Morgan Piek OFM Sport
