Jóhann Thormählen

Bloemfontein – There is not just bad news from the Cheetahs rugby camp.

After the shock of Springbok flanker Heinrich Brüssow’s long-term knee injury, two Cheetahs have now been cleared to play against the Stormers next week after time on the sidelines.

The Cheetahs have a bye this week in the Super 14 and Adriaan Strauss (hooker, shoulder) and Corné Uys (outside centre, ankle) will both be fully fit to play next week.

Cheetahs team doctor Ian Morris also indicated earlier this week that Hendro Scholtz (flanker, concussion) will be ready for the game.

The Cheetahs will get together again on Thursday morning for the first time since their 28-12 win over the Hurricanes.

Uys tore ankle ligaments about four weeks ago against the Bulls, while Strauss had to undergo a scan on his shoulder as a precautionary measure this week.

The Springbok hooker went for a shoulder operation after the Springboks’ European tour and was ready for action again shortly before the start of the Super 14, although his shoulder has been a little sensitive.

Morris said that Strauss has been cleared to play against the Stormers.

“There is no reason why he cannot play,” he said.

Cheetahs supporters will breathe a sigh of relief about Strauss’s shoulder as Brüssow’s serious injury is expected to sideline him for the rest of the year.

Strauss is one of the team’s top players and also a strong leader.

Cheetahs assistant coach Hawies Fourie believes Strauss’s current form is of immense value.

“I feel that Adriaan played his best game to date against the Hurricanes,” he said.

Strauss also played 80 minutes in three of the Cheetahs’ games and was only substituted by Ryno Barnes against the Hurricanes.

Uys is recovering well from his injury and Morris said that he would also be considered for the Stormers game.

“There is a good chance that he will be ready. We will make a call on his availability on Monday.”

Lionel Mapoe, who is actually a wing, helped out at centre against the Sharks and Highlanders in Uys’s absence.

Sevens Springbok Robert Ebersohn made his return from an ankle injury before the Hurricanes game and played alongside Meyer Bosman (inside centre).

Ebersohn made a good Super 14 debut and if Uys is ready, coach Naka Drotské will have the headache of choosing between the two.