Over the weekend, the former Suzuki Griquas and Pumas flyhalf, Tinus de Beer, took a knock during the 37-26 defeat against Lyon in France, and his availability is now doubtful.

At this stage, Cardiff haven’t been able to make a call on the exciting backline marshal’s fitness. However, OFM Sport has it on good authority that there is little chance he will play.

It was expected to be a very good battle between De Beer, the Cardiff flyhalf, and the exciting young Cheetahs pivot, Ethan Wentzel.

De Beer has been a thorn in the side of the Cheetahs for many years and is a cool, calm, and collected customer under pressure.

Cardiff also has an additional ace up their sleeve in the form of the former Cheetahs lock and forwards coach, Corniel van Zyl. Van Zyl is now part of the technical team at Cardiff, and he knows the Cheetahs like the back of his hand.

Corniel van Zyl. Photo: Johan Pretorius

Van Zyl told OFM Sport that De Beer may miss the game against his former team, and he expects a tough challenge up front this week.

“Unfortunately, Tinus de Beer took a knock against Lyon, and we’re not sure yet if he’ll be available to play against Ethan Wentzel. He’s been an exciting player for the Cheetahs this season,” said the former Italian international lock.

“The Cheetahs are very unpredictable, and they like to bring their back three into space, so that’s something we all know; that’s just the way they do it. Combined with good defence and a solid set-piece, that makes them a dangerous team on the day.”

Tinus de Beer. Photo: Morgan Piek

Van Zyl added that facing his former team this weekend is certainly different, but emotions have to be set aside as the Cheetahs will come at them hard.

“It’s a very different preparation week this week, as there are obviously a lot of roots still there in Bloemfontein,” said Van Zyl. “It’s time to move on, though, and it’s a professional game, so you just need to focus on what’s at hand and the job that needs to be done.

“It’s no surprise that the Cheetahs have a good pack of forwards who are well-drilled and very effective. That’s all noted. There are a few stalwarts there, like Aranos Coetzee, Louis van der Westhuizen, and Schalk Ferreira. With a mix of experienced players and younger back-rowers, they form a strong forward pack.”

Saturday’s game between Cardiff and the Cheetahs at Cardiff Arms Park kicks off at 22:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg