Rugby
Jasper and Oupa to start against Cardiff─── MORGAN PIEK 16:34 Fri, 13 Dec 2024
“Cardiff is a bit more of a structured team in the way they play and attack. Hopefully, we can use our opportunities better this weekend.”
The Toyota Cheetahs have made two changes to their starting XV for tomorrow night’s must-win EPCR Challenge Cup clash against Cardiff Rugby in Wales.
There is one change in the pack, with the Springbok Oupa Mohoje starting ahead of the big ball carrier Friedle Olivier, who rotates to the bench. In the backline, Cohen Jasper will start on the wing to provide the Cheetahs with more attacking options and prepare for the anticipated aerial contest. He replaces Prince Nkabinde on the wing.
Cheetahs coach Izak van der Westhuizen told OFM Sport that it’s crucial to make the most of every opportunity.
“At the end of the day, the game came down to three key moments—three soft tries we let in from our side,” said Van der Westhuizen.
Oupa Mohoje. Photo: Morgan Piek
“So, I think using the opportunities that we get better is a big focus for us. Like you said, Cardiff is a bit more of a structured team in the way they play and attack.Hopefully, we can use our opportunities better this weekend.”
Van der Westhuizen added that the former Cheetahs forwards coach, Corniel van Zyl, who is now an assistant at Cardiff, will also be a factor as he knows the Free State team well.
“Knowing Corniel and working with him, you know he’s a guy who prepares well,” he said.
“He spends a lot of time analysing opposition sides. So, we know we’ve got to expect everything, and he will have them well-prepared as well. From a forward’s perspective, we need to step up this week when it comes to our performance and execution.”
Saturday night’s game at Cardiff Arms Park kicks off at 22:00.
Cheetahs – 15 Michael Annies, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Cohen Jasper, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Ruben de Haas, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 1 Schalk Ferreira
Replacements – 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Pierre Uys, 20 Friedle Olivier, 21 Daniel Maartens, 22 Rewan Kruger, 23 George Lourens
