Cheetahs v Emerging Ireland - teams and predictions

10/08/2024 09:02 AM

PREVIEW: The Cheetahs get a last chance to 'measure themselves' against quality opposition, as they go into the final phase of their preparation for their next European campaign.

The last round of the Challenge Series takes place in Bloemfontein on Wednesday when Cheetahs host Emerging Ireland.

The tourists, Emerging Ireland, were victorious in the matches against the Pumas and Western Force.

The Force edged the Cheetahs, who bounced back with a win against the Griffons.

"This [Challenge Series] was a good hit-out for us," Director of Rugby Frans Steyn said, adding: "Especially [the loss to] the Western Force.

"They [the Force] played so different to what were used to the last few years.

"Wednesday will be good for us to see where we are and give the coaches things to ponder and prepare for when the players return from their break."

Emerging Ireland coach Simon Easterby - for whom this is a 'development trip - spoke of the challenge of facing three sides in a week.

"We knew that every player in the group would have the opportunity to play his part," Easterby said.

"To a man, each player has given his all so far and we are aiming to finish off the series with another positive performance on Wednesday.

"The Cheetahs are a fiercely proud and strong side and it should be a lively game with a vocal home support behind them.

"It has been a fruitful past few weeks to date and we have learned a lot.

"While our performances haven't been perfect, the players have embraced the challenge and played brilliantly at times.

"The action has come thick and fast and we know that we have to be clinical in our execution.

"We will need to go up another level on Wednesday to get the performance we want and hopefully finish the tour on a high."

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Cheetahs captain Victor Sekekete said they have taken note of the Irish team's penchant for "moving the ball around".

"They use a lot of interplay," he said, adding: "They [also] cause a lot of havoc at the rucks.

"We will have to bring our defensive linespeed to put them under pressure."

The skipper added that they will need to 'lay the foundation' for a win with a good first-half performance.

"It is a game we need," he said about their last outing before their Challenge Cup campaign starts against Union Sportive Arlequins Perpignanais at their European 'home ground', the National Rugby Centre Amsterdam, on Sunday, December 8.

"The whole season has been about developing the squad and we are on the right track."

The Cheetahs are giving some of their fringe players an opportunity on Wednesday.

Wings Prince Nkabinde and Asanda Kunene impressed against the Griffons and were named to start against the Irish.

Carel-Jan Coetzee will start at the inside centre.

Ethan Wentzel and Rewan Kruger will once again form the halfback combination, while Jandré Nel moves to the bench.

Star hooker Vernon Paulo is one of several players to miss out through a foot injury.

Also unavailable are Cameron Dawson (calf), Louis van der Westhuizen (knee), Daniel Maartens (hand), Jeandre Rudolph (AC joint), Raegan Oranje (knee), Ali Mgijima (jaw), Banie Britz (arm), Banele Mthenjane (hamstring), James Verity-Amm (knee), Teboho Mohoje (knee), Jooste Nel (shoulder) and Aidon Davis (allergic reaction).

Leinster's James Culhane will lead the Emerging Ireland team and he forms a new back row alongside Harry Sheridan and Sean Edogbo, who makes his first start of the tour having come on as a replacement in the 29-24 win over Western Force on Sunday.

Former Ireland Under-20 captain Evan O'Connell locks down with Darragh Murray, who featured in the opening 36-24 victory over the Pumas, with Alex Usanov named in the front row alongside hooker Stephen Smyth and Jack Aungier.

In the backline, Sam Prendergast starts his third game of the tour at flyhalf and he will be partnered by Cormac Foley, who featured as a second-half replacement against the Australian Super Rugby side last time out.

Connacht's Hugh Gavin forms a midfield partnership with Hugh Cooney, with Ulster's Zac Ward named in an exciting back tree alongside the returning Ben O'Connor at fullback and Andrew Osborne who moves to the right wing.

Munster loosehead prop George Hadden, who was called up to the squad last weekend, is set to make his first appearance after being named on the bench alongside Conor O'Tighearnaigh and Alex Soroka who started Sunday's win.

Hadden's provincial teammate Danny Sheahan provides cover once more at hooker, while Scott Wilson and Charlie Tector are also named on the bench, alongside flyhalf Jack Murphy.

Prediction

Teams

Cheetahs: 15 Michael Annies, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 11 Asanda Kunene, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Friedle Olivier, 7 Siskonke Vumazonke, 6 Gideon Van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Corne Fourie, 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Replacements: 16 Marco Janse van Rensburg, 17 Hencus Van Wyk, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Ulrich Stander, 20 Neels Volschenk, 21 Jandre Nel, 22 George Lourens, 23 Cohen Jasper.

Emerging Ireland: 15 Ben O'Connor, 14 Andrew Osborne, 13 Hugh Cooney, 12 Hugh Gavin, 11 Zac Ward, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Cormac Foley, 8 James Culhane (captain), 7 Sean Edogbo, 6 Harry Sheridan, 5 Darragh Murray, 4 Evan O'Connell, 3 Jack Aungier, 2 Stephen Smyth, 1 Alex Usanov.
Replacements: 16 Danny Sheahan, 17 George Hadden, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Conor O'Tighearnaigh, 20 Alex Soroka, 21 Matthew Devine, 22 Jack Murphy, 23 Charlie Tector.

Date: Wednesday, October 9
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 19.00 (18.00 Irish time; 17.00 GMT)
Referee: Stephan Geldenhuys
Assistant referees: DJ Hefer and Ashton Ockhuys
TMO: Hanru van Rooyen

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