Jóhann Thormählen

Bloemfontein - Flamboyant wing Philip Burger often set tongues wagging with his performances for the Cheetahs before his departure to France - and he hopes to give his supporters something to talk about again on Saturday.

The 30-year-old wing will be in action against the Blues at Whangarei in New Zealand on Saturday. It will only be Burger’s second game for the Cheetahs since re-joining them.

He returned after a few seasons at French club Perpignan, but he has been struggling with a calf injury.

Burger was in action in the Cheetahs’ first game against the Sharks.

He was delighted to be able to get off the injured list and into the Cheetahs camp this week.

In the past he often infuriated opponents and their supporters with his antics on the field. He now hopes to make an impression against All Black wing Joe Rokocoko.

“It will be important for me and Wilmaure (Louw, left wing) to front up. We are playing against two of the world’s best wings,” said Burger.

“I see it as a challenge and want people to talk about me again. You have to prove yourself against players of that calibre.”

Teams:

Blues:
15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Rene Ranger, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Chris Lowrey, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (captain), 1 Tony Woodcock

Substitutes: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 James King, 19 Mat Luamanu, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Lachie Munro, 22 Benson Stanley

Cheetahs:
15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Philip Burger, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Corne Uys, 11 Wilmaure Louw, 10 Sias Ebersohn, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Davon Raubenheimer, 7 Philip van der Walt, 6 Kabamba Floors, 5 Wilhelm Steenkamp (captain), 4 Francois Uys, 3 WP Nel, 2 Ryno Barnes, 1 Coenie Oosthuizen

Substitutes: 16 Skipper Badenhorst, 17 Lourens Adriaanse, 18 Izak van der Westhuizen, 19 Ashley Johnson, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Naas Olivier, 22 Barry Geel