Rugby
Cheetahs get their ‘bomb squad’ back─── MORGAN PIEK 16:44 Fri, 04 Apr 2025
The Toyota Cheetahs have named a strong bench for their SA Cup round five clash against the Griffons in Bloemfontein on Saturday, which could be a major advantage in the wet conditions.
For the first time this season, the Cheetahs will be able to field their so-called “bomb squad,” with a powerful replacement front row featuring Cameron Dawson, Vernon Paulo, and Rob Hunt.
Loose forward Neels Volschenk and scrumhalf Smiley Nel will also play off the bench. Clayton Blommetjies retains the number ten jersey for the derby after scoring 12 points from the boot in last week’s win against Eastern Province in Gqeberha.
With rain expected, forward dominance will be even more crucial against the physical Griffons. Cheetahs forwards coach Izak van der Westhuizen told OFM Sport that he is delighted to have the bomb squad back and emphasised the importance of standing their ground in the forward battle.
“I’m happy to have them back – it’s a good combination for us, and they bring an explosive edge off the bench. I think it’s something we’re going to need. As you mentioned earlier, it’s going to be a good forward battle.
“I think the Griffons have a very solid forward pack, so it’s going to be a big challenge. But having those guys in the mix helps a lot.”
Clayton Blommetjies. Photo: Morgan Piek
Van der Westhuizen added that their set-pieces will need to function at full capacity, as the team from Welkom has been strong in that area.
“They’re a confident side at the moment. Set-piece-wise, they’re performing well, and, as you said, small margins could make the difference. So everyone needs to be on their A-game tomorrow.”
Saturday’s Free State derby at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 15:00.
Cheetahs – 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Marco Janse van Vuren, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Michael Annies 10 Clayton Blommetjies, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Sisonke Vumazonke, 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1 Hencus van Wyk
Replacements – 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 20 Neels Volschenk, 21 Daniel Maartens, 22 Jandré Nel, 23 Banie Britz
Griffons – 15 Kyle Cyster, 14 Christiaan Nel, 13 Keanu Vers, 12 Chris Hollis, 11 Qamani Kota, 10 Duan Pretorius (captain), 9 Richman Gora, 8 Ulrich Stander, 7 Thomas Ongera, 6 Mingo Piti, 5 Matt Gray, 4 Lungi Mbiko, 3 Buhle Nojekwa, 2 Willem van den Hever, 1 Xolani Jacobs
Replacements – 16 Vernon Chadley Wenn, 17 Mthokozisi Gumede, 18 Junior Banda, 19 Curtly Thomas, 20 Calla Pienaar, 21 Jared Kruger, 22 Aphiwe Stemela, 23 Quan Eymann
