Johnson set for last hurrah

Johannesburg - Springbok loose forward Ashley Johnson looks set to make his last appearance on South African soil in the Cheetahs' starting line-up after an injury to Justin Downey ruled him out of this weekend’s final Super Rugby match against the Sharks in Durban.

According to SuperSport.com, the Cheetahs have little except pride to play for, but know if they upset the odds, they can ensure they have their most successful Super Rugby season ever.

At present they sit on five wins, and there would be no better way to say goodbye to a good servant such as Johnson than to bid him farewell with a victory.

Downey dislocated his finger and was the only casualty from the loss to the Stormers, although the Cheetahs must once again be kicking themselves for not taking their chances.

Johnson will join English Premiership club Wasps after the Super Rugby competition and has been an excellent servant to Free State rugby, although he has not played as much rugby as would have been expected this season, as coach Naka Drotské has rotated his loose trio consistently during the season.

The Cheetahs will also be looking for a better kicking performance from flyhalf Riaan Smit, who only slotted two of his five kicks against the Stormers while it will also be a farewell in Super Rugby terms for Sias Ebersohn, who will join the Force next season as he moves to Australia.

Ebersohn will still be available for the Currie Cup however.