Johannesburg - The Cheetahs are unlikely to risk flyhalf Joe Pietersen for this Friday’s pre-season friendly against the Stormers after he picked up a niggle in last weekend’s loss to the Vodacom Bulls.
According to the supersport.com website, coach Naka Drotske confirmed to supersport.com that Pietersen is unlikely to play as he looks to put the finishing touches on his side ahead of a tough Vodacom Super Rugby season.
Pietersen looked good in the 30-13 loss, taking one beautiful break and kicking well for poles, and in the absence of Johan Goosen a lot will be left on his shoulders to steer the Cheetahs ahead in the coming days.
There was further mixed news when it was confirmed that Max van Dyk, who was stretchered off in Polokwane, will be out for two weeks. While the neck injury doesn’t seem to be too serious, it looks as if Van Dyk can be considered for the first game of the season, something that didn’t seem likely when he was taken off the field.
Drotske has already lost SA under-20 winger Sergeal Pietersen for six to eight weeks after he broke his jaw in the Polokwane game and won’t want to lose any more players before the start of the season.
Seasoned Boks Willie le Roux, Teboho Mohoje and Cornal Hendricks are likely to play in Friday’s game.