Share

Cheetahs injuries mount

Brenden Nel - SuperSport

Johannesburg - Their unbelievable victory over the Waratahs may have been their finest moment, but the Cheetahs are licking their wounds in the aftermath of their 23-3 victory in Sydney.

The team have moved onto Brisbane to prepare for this weekend’s Vodacom Super Rugby clash with the Reds, but have lost two players to injury in the process.

Captain Andries Strauss has headed back home to Bloemfontein with a groin injury that will keep him out between four and six weeks, meaning the Cheetahs will name their fifth captain in this year’s competition for this weekend.

That man is likely to be former Bulls lock Wilhelm Steenkamp, who took over the captaincy when Strauss limped off and continued to lead the team to a famous victory in Sydney.

As if Strauss’ injury wasn’t enough bad news, the Cheetahs also lost flank Frans Viljoen to a hamstring injury – which is likely to cost him two to three weeks action in the competition.

This comes after they already lost wing Rayno Benjamin to a hamstring injury before the Waratahs game.

Wilmaure Louw and Barry Geel both boarded flights to Australia Sunday to replace Benjamin and Strauss respectively.

Davon Raubenheimer is favourite to replace Viljoen at flank as the Cheetahs look to build on their first victory in the competition.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE