No new stars for depleted Cheetahs in SA Cup

01/20/2025 02:56 AM

SPOTLIGHT: The Cheetahs turn their focus to the SA Cup following a dismantling 21-68 loss to Lyon which ended their Challenge Cup knock-out hopes.

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The Bloemfontein-based outfit - who already has a lengthy casualty list lost two more players to injury in the heavy loss to Lyon.

Flyhalf Franco Smith and wing Munier Hartzenberg has been singled out as the two big concerns in the side.

"Franco [Smith] appeared to have a torn hamstring, his foot got stuck and he turned badly so we'll have to look at that," said head coach Izak van der Westhuizen.

"Moena [Munier Hartzenberg] we'll also have a look at, we suspect he too has a hamstring issue.

"Those are the two big [injury concerns] for now."

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The Cheetahs' next focus will be the SA Cup where new players are usually given an opportunity to showcase their talent.

The Cheetahs, however, will not have that luxury and will have to go with the tried and tested due to their lack of player depth.

"Regarding the future for us at the point in time, we'll come back [to Bloemfontein] and do a review to see what went down. [in the loss to Lyon]," said Van der Westhuizen.

"We'll then plan for the SA Cup, the players that will participate in it will be more of the same.

"Our depth are currently being tested with all the injuries we have.

"It's not like we have big selection of players to choose from." he added.