Rugby
Nel wants to prove himself against Western Force─── MORGAN PIEK 12:24 Wed, 02 Oct 2024
“We have a lot of quality players, and this opportunity doesn't come along often of getting a chance to prove yourself, and me getting this gap with Evardi going to the Ospreys, and Ali being out really gives me a chance to prove myself.”
The big Toyota Cheetahs centre, Jooste Nel, is looking to impress on Wednesday evening when they tackle the Western Force in the Toyota Challenge in Bloemfontein.
The Varsity Cup-winning Shimlas star is getting a rare opportunity in a starting role and is looking to stake a claim in the number 12 jersey. This is as Evardi Boshoff is at the Ospreys for the season and Ali Mgijima is sidelined for two months.
‘He also wants to enjoy the moment against the Australian Super Rugby franchise’
He is one of six Shimlas players in the starting backline, and it is one that will no doubt be exciting on the attack.
The big ball carrier told OFM Sport that he also wants to enjoy the moment against the Australian Super Rugby franchise. “It’s a massive opportunity for me to get a chance to play again, and yeah, I think it is a game to prove myself,” said Nel.
“We have a lot of quality players, and this opportunity doesn't come along often of getting a chance to prove yourself, and me getting this gap with Evardi Boshoff going to the Ospreys, and Ali Mgijima, being out really gives me a chance to prove myself.
“The team comes first, so I'm there to serve the team as much as possible and to my greatest ability, but I'm serving the team on Wednesday night, taking the number 12 jersey, and that's my focus, to just give it my all, to show them my worth.
“I'm really excited and as much as I'm excited and seeing this as an opportunity, I'm not trying to make it too big of a game. It's just a normal game, and I'm just going to do the things that I know I do best. With that the result will look after itself.
Jooste Nel action against the the Suzuki Griquas in the SA Cup. Photo: Cheetahs
“There’s a plan for everything, and if this is my time, this is my time, and if not, it’s not, but I’m very hopeful, and I know that everything works out as it should.”
Wednesday night’s game at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 19:00.
Cheetahs – 15 Michael Annies, 14 Asanda Kunene, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Jooste Nel, 11 Litha Nkula, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Jandré Nel, 8 Friedle Olivier, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Corné Fourie, 1 Schalk Ferreira
Replacements – 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Pierre Uys, 20 Aidon Davis, 21 Sisonke Vumazonke, 22 Andell Loubser, 23 Rewan Kruger
Western Force – 15 Isaac Raumaitavuki-Kneepkens,14 Justin Landman, 13 Harry Potter, 12 Sio Tomkinson, 11 Mac Grealy, 10 Max Burey, 9 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 8 Reed Prinsep, 7 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 6 Will Harris, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Josh Thompson, 3 Tiaan Tauakipulu, 2 Nic Dolly, 1 Marley Pearce
Replacements – 16 Tom Horton, 17 Harry Hoopert, 18 Sila Tituti, 19 Darcy Swain, 20 Titi Nofoagatotoa, 21 Henry Robertson, 22 Coby Miln, 23 Divad Palu
