Cheetahs plant Blomme at 10
03/26/2025 09:47 AM
The Cheetahs have reinforced the backline with Stormers import Clayton Blommetjies for the SA Cup clash against Eastern Province on Saturday.
The Stormers playmaker, offered the chance to play for his former team while visiting his wife in Bloemfontein, has been picked to start at flyhalf.
The 34-year-old has made just one appearance for the Stormers in this season’s Vodacom URC and will now get some much-needed game time.
Coach Frans Steyn has made 10 changes to the team that went down to the Pumas in Mbombela in the last round.
In the backline, Michael Annies shifts to fullback forming a dangerous back three alongside Prince Nkabinde and Litha Nkula, while Marco Jansen van Vuren partners Ali Mgijima in midfield. Rewan Kruger starts at scrumhalf, replacing Jandre Nel with Blommetjies coming in at flyhalf.
A new-look front row sees loosehead prop Schalk Ferreira scrum down with hooker Vernon Paulo and tighthead prop Robert Hunt. Pieter Janse van Vuren forms the lock partnership with captain Victor Sekekete. Sisonke Vumazonke replaces Jeandre Rudolph at No 8, while Pierre Uys and Daniel Maartens complete a potent back-row.
Gideon van der Merwe (ankle), Oupa Mohoje (shoulder), Ethan Wentzel (back), Munier Hartzenberg (hamstring), Franco Smith (hamstring), Carel-Jan Coetzee (knee) have all been ruled out due to injury.
The Cheetahs are currently sixth on the 10-team SA Cup log after two defeats in three matches. Only the top four teams on the log will qualify for this year’s Currie Cup Premier Division.
CHEETAHS —15. Michael Annies, 14. Prince Nkabinde, 13. Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12. Ali Mgijima, 11. Litha Nkula, 10. Clayton Blommetjies, 9. Rewan Kruger, 8. Sisonke Vumazonke, 7. Pierre Uys, 6. Daniel Maartens, 5. Victor Sekekete (C ), 4. Pieter Janse van Vuren, 3. Robert Hunt, 2. Vernon Paulo, 1. Schalk Ferreira.
Bench: 16. Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17. Banele Mthenjane ,18. Laurence Victor, 19. Mzwanele Zito, 20. Andisa Ntsila, 21. Raegan Oranje, 22. Jandre Nel, 23. Andell Loubser.
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
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