Gerdie Karstens

Kimberley – Fabian Juries’s experience as a Blitzbok and his dangerous running with ball in hand could catapult him into Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské’s Super Rugby plans.

Juries played for the Cheetahs B-team (the Barbarians) against the A-team (the Gladiators) and thereafter against the Griffons in the Cheetahs’ training games at Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein on Friday.

He beat numerous defenders with his pace and swerving runs.

His fleetness of foot would not have escaped the attention of both the selectors and coaches with the former Western Province wing certainly deserving of a few ticks from the Cheetahs management.

Juries, having had little game time in Cape Town, decided to join Griquas.

“I did not really get the opportunity to play for WP. That is why I moved to Griquas. I want to play more. We’ll see what the future holds,” said Juries.

At the Cheetahs he is now competing for a position with the likes of Philip Burger, Ryno Benjamin, Jongi Nokwe and Philip Snyman.

“I feel good about the training games. I did not get much ball against the Griffons, but made the most of what I had. We focused more on getting our systems in place,” said Juries.

Drotské has a host of wings to choose from, which means they may also be among his substitutes come game day.

“You always hope to make the starting team, but I will definitely do my bit if I’m included on the bench.

All the wings in the squad are good players. I will be able to combine with them easily,” said Juries.

There is no doubt about his try-scoring ability.

While he last played for the Blitzbokke in 2007, he is still the third-most prolific try-scorer in the International Rugby Board’s sevens series.

“Sevens definitely gives you a good background for the 15-man code. It teaches you good footwork. The only difference is that you have more space and fewer defenders in sevens. In the 15-man code there is more space and guys that would like to tackle you to pieces.”