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Cheetahs pick Super 14 squad

Jóhann Thormählen

Bloemfontein - Greater competition for places in the Cheetahs’ starting line-up may just be the tonic for their best Super 14 campaign to date.

Good performances by Griquas and the Free State Cheetahs in this year’s Currie Cup have allowed the Cheetahs to head into the Super 14 with more depth.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské announced a 42-man squad on Tuesday. The squad, which will be reduced in January, will assemble in about two weeks’ time.

The Cheetahs also have a better draw for 2010 than was the case this year.

They play their first six games in South Africa, of which four will be in Bloemfontein. The Cheetahs will also tour overseas for only four weeks.

Some lesser-known players have also been included in the squad.

Rocco Jansen, who will be joining Griquas, is a prime example. He played in the First Division of the Currie Cup for the Elephants this year and his six tries placed him among the leading try-scorers. Jansen previously also played for the Blue Bulls in the Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup.

Cheetahs backline coach Hawies Fourie said that Jansen is a very promising player who does the basics well.

“He also finishes well,” he said.

With the departure of Richardt Strauss (hooker) to Leinster, Hans Grobler has been included as one of the hookers. He has been a standout player for the Shimlas this year.

Wesley Wilkens was included as flank ahead of Rohan Kitshoff of Griquas. Former Matie captain Wilkens joined Griquas at the end of the Currie Cup campaign.

Cheetahs Super 14 squad:

Backs:
Hennie Daniller, Riaan Viljoen, Danwel Demas, Bjorn Basson, JW Jonker, Robert Ebersohn, Philip Snyman, Wilmaure Louw, Meyer Bosman, Corné Uys, Barry Geel, Naas Olivier, Louis Strydom, Jongi Nokwe, Lionel Mapoe, Rocco Jansen, Tewis de Bruyn, JP Joubert, Sarel Pretorius

Forwards:
Kabamba Floors, Frans Viljoen, Ashley Johnson, Francois Uys, Davon Raubenheimer, Juan Smith, Heinrich Brüssow, Hendro Scholtz, Wesley Wilkens, David de Villiers, Jacques Lombard, Izak van der Westhuizen, Nico Breedt, Rudi Mathee, Kobus Calldo, Ruaan du Preez, WP Nel, Hans Grobler , Rayno Barnes, Adriaan Strauss, Albertus Buckle, Coenie Oosthuizen, Wian du Preez
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