Cape Town - Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské has confirmed that flank Frans Viljoen will replace the injured Lappies Labuschagné in their Super Rugby clash against the Hurricanes in Bloemfontein on Friday.
Labuschagné injured his elbow against the Kings on Apil 27, and according tothe Volksblad website, is no yet ready to return. Drotské said he could return for their match against the Reds on May 18.
Viljoen will therefore start in his fifth Super Rugby game this season on Friday, and his physicality will he welcomed by the Cheetahs. The 30-year-old Viljoen has impressed with his performances this year after receiving a lifeline from Drotské at the beginning of the season. He was without a contract after a string of injuries hampered his form in recent years.
Boom Prinsloo will also provide some much needed spark off the bench.
"Frans and Heins (Heinrich Brüssow) will start. Frans is physical and the right guy to pick against a New Zealand team," said Drotské.
"Lappies is good in the lineouts and we'll miss his high work-rate, but there's nothing we can do about that."
The Cheetahs, who had a bye last week, are currently sixth on the overall Super Rugby log, and second in the South African conference.
Kick-off at the Free State Stadium is at 19:10 on Friday.
Labuschagné injured his elbow against the Kings on Apil 27, and according tothe Volksblad website, is no yet ready to return. Drotské said he could return for their match against the Reds on May 18.
Viljoen will therefore start in his fifth Super Rugby game this season on Friday, and his physicality will he welcomed by the Cheetahs. The 30-year-old Viljoen has impressed with his performances this year after receiving a lifeline from Drotské at the beginning of the season. He was without a contract after a string of injuries hampered his form in recent years.
Boom Prinsloo will also provide some much needed spark off the bench.
"Frans and Heins (Heinrich Brüssow) will start. Frans is physical and the right guy to pick against a New Zealand team," said Drotské.
"Lappies is good in the lineouts and we'll miss his high work-rate, but there's nothing we can do about that."
The Cheetahs, who had a bye last week, are currently sixth on the overall Super Rugby log, and second in the South African conference.
Kick-off at the Free State Stadium is at 19:10 on Friday.