Blommetjies key for do-or-die Cheetahs
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Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn downplayed Clayton Blommetjies' struggles but stressed the importance of beating Griffons in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Stormers back Blommetjies made his debut for the Cheetahs in their 47-35 win against Eastern Province on short notice after being drafted into the squad by Steyn during a visit to his wife in the Free State.
Steyn said the 34-year-old Stormers import was understandably unfamiliar with the Cheetahs’ structures.
“There were a few things Blommetjies didn’t get right against EP,” Steyn said in a press conference on Tuesday.
“We knew that was going to happen. He’s only had two training sessions but we know he is going to be good for us.
“He brings something different. Clayton just needs to get used to the systems and build a relationship with the players around him. He’s a really great guy to have around.”
On the imperatives for a win in the Free State derby, Steyn said: “The physicality is going to be key.
“We need to start the game at a level that they can’t match. It would be pointless for us to take 20 minutes or more to bring some physicality.
“It’s going to be a big and tough 80 minutes from us this weekend.
“I’m very excited, I think we have a great team and great plans prepared for Griffons.”
The Griffons suffered their first loss of the 2025 SA Cup campaign after league leaders Griquas powered to a 52-33 win in Welkom. Cheetahs skipper Victor Sekekete expects a backlash.
“We know their egos are hurt from the loss,” said Sekekete. “They are always ready to play against us. We know what’s coming, it’s going to be a physical game at a high tempo.
“We know their back three thrive on a scrappy game and collecting the loose ball, so we are going to stop that from happening and make sure our discipline is up to standard.”
World Cup winner Steyn underlined the high stakes for the Cheetahs as another poor result would seriously jeopardise their qualification for the 2025 Currie Cup, a development that Steyn believes would threaten the future of the union.
“It was a wake-up call against Eastern Province,” said Steyn. “I can’t tell the players how important this competition is for the union. All of us are on the same page.
“We know we have to win. If we lose, we are out of the competition and the Currie Cup. Then doors will be closed for us. We have been told to do well in this competition and to make sure it happens. We don’t have any other options.
“If we are out of the Currie Cup, which sponsors are going to stick around? It’s business, you can say what you want but if you go down and calls aren’t going your way, there is not another union in the SA Cup that is going to lose as much as us.
“We have no other option other than to perform every week.”
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
The post Blommetjies key for do-or-die Cheetahs appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
