Rugby
Rudolph returns for Cheetahs in must-win SA Cup clash─── MORGAN PIEK 11:37 Fri, 25 Apr 2025
Toyota Cheetahs eighth-man Jeandré Rudolph is locked and loaded for his return to the field on Saturday in their crucial SA Cup fixture against the Valke in Bloemfontein.
Rudolph’s comeback from a knee injury is a big boost ahead of the must-win encounter, and the team will be counting on his experience and presence.
In the backline, George Lourens returns to start at flyhalf, as Clayton Blommetjies has been under the weather this week. It will be Lourens’ first game in a while, but his focus will be on marshalling the backline and doing it well. With the kicking duties no longer on his shoulders, things should be a bit easier for the pivot.
George Lourens. Photo: Morgan Piek
Speaking to OFM Sport, Rudolph said he’s excited, feeling fresh, and ready for what promises to be a tough battle.
“Yeah, like you said, I haven’t played in a while, but it was nice to refresh, clear the mind, and let the body heal,” said Rudolph, who last featured against the Pumas in Nelspruit during round three.
“I’m getting a bit older now, so it’s good to have a break like that every now and then. I’m very excited to be back in Bloem, back at the stadium.”
Rudolph added that Saturday will be all about fronting up physically and mentally, and focusing on what the team can control.
“Oh look, the Valke are a quality side – I’ve played against them quite a bit earlier in my career, and we know it’s never an easy game.
“They’re full of confidence at the moment and have been getting the results they’ve wanted lately, but rugby’s a funny old game — anything can happen on the day.
“So for us, it’s about what we want to take out of the game and where we’re heading. It’s going to be an exciting clash tomorrow.”
Banie Britz. Photo: Morgan Piek
Saturday’s crunch match at Toyota Stadium kicks off at 15:00. Meanwhile, tonight at 19:00, the Pumas host the Griquas in Nelspruit.
Cheetahs - 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Michael Annies, 10 George Lourens, 9 Jandré Nel, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Neels Volschenk, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen (captain), 1 Hencus van Wyk
Replacements - 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 20 Sisonke Vumazonke, 21 Daniel Maartens, 22 Raegan Oranje, 23 Banie Britz
Valke - TBA
