Jóhann Thormählen

Bloemfontein – The Blue Bulls may have a swagger following their win over the Sharks, but Free State would also have started their preparations for Saturday’s Currie Cup match against the champions with a smile.

Springbok prop CJ van der Linde still played for his country at Vodacom Park on Saturday, but will now strengthen the Cheetahs’ pack for the clash with the Blue Bulls.

Van der Linde, who has played 65 Tests, is one of the non-contracted Springboks that have been released for the Currie Cup.

Other senior Boks such as Bok flank Juan Smith will only be available come the semifinals and now have to follow a conditioning programme with a view to next year’s World Cup.

Free State coach Naka Drotské said that it was a boost to have Van der Linde available to play against the Bulls.

“It will be stupid not to use a player that has played more than 50 games for South Africa. CJ will definitely be part of our 22,” he said.

“Any coach that gets Springboks back for Currie Cup duty will be eager to use them at this stage of the competition, especially with so many teams on the same number of log points,” he said.

While the Free Staters are only getting Van der Linde back and not a host of players like some other provinces, his inclusion may well have a major influence on the Bulls clash.

The 30-year-old tighthead prop made an impact when he came on for the Boks in the second half against the Wallabies on Saturday.

“He’s a quality player and we’ll use him if we get the chance,” he said.

The Bulls will be strengthened by Boks such as hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle, locks Bakkies Botha and Flip van der Merwe, and scrumhalf Francois Hougaard.

Hooker Gary Botha and flank Deon Stegmann have also recovered from injuries.

Van der Linde’s inclusion will mean that Kobus Calldo or WP Nel have to make way in the Cheetahs’ 22-man squad.

Calldo got his first start in the No 3 jersey against the Leopards this year and subsequently started against Western Province and Griquas. Nel made an impact as a substitute.

Meanwhile, prop Coenie Oosthuizen and flyhalf Louis Strydom watched Monday’s training session from the sidelines.

Oosthuizen is ill and Strydom is still recovering from Friday’s match. Both will start training again on Tuesday.