Wentzel was injured during the past weekend’s game against Zebre, which the Cheetahs won in the dying minutes. Injuries to Michael Annies and Friedle Olivier necessitated flying in Franco Smith Jr and Andell Loubser. But coach Izak van der Westhuizen told OFM Sport that a flyhalf must be able to do more than just kick.

“We had a plan in the previous game that if something happened during the game, who would replace him (Ethan) on the field. After the game, we had a management meeting and according to that we will make the decision on who to bring on at 10 on the weekend.”  

Van der Westhuizen said his team is under no illusions about how tough their opponents will be this weekend. Lyon has won two of their pool games but were beaten badly by Connacht last weekend. 

‘There are a lot of talented players’

The Matmut Stadium de Gerland is also not a happy hunting ground for South African rugby teams.  However, Van der Westhuizen said they will give it their all when they take on the French team on the day.

“There are a lot of talented players. The one thing you realise very early on when you get into these high-pressure games is that it’s not that easy when the pressure is on. So, everyone can do it in training, and everyone looks good in training. That is sometimes a mistake we make. We often feel very confident after a training session, but as soon as you get into the game, you realise the opposition is a little more intense,” he said.

 Saturday’s (18/1) match will kick off at 19:30.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg