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Jóhann Thormählen
Bloemfontein – Andries Strauss has often been on the losing side in a black jersey when the Cheetahs visit the Shark Tank and now hopes to walk off the field with a smile in his white jersey after a victory on Saturday.
The Springbok centre will be playing his first match for the Cheetahs in Durban after joining them from his former team, the Sharks. Not only will he be up against his former team-mates on his old home ground, but he will also be up against ex-Cheetahs star Meyer Bosman.
The Cheetahs have been successful in Durban for the past few seasons and would like to keep up that record.
“Hopefully we can replicate the successes of the past. I must admit that I have often been on the receiving end when the Cheetahs play there. It’s going to feel strange to play in Durban with a white jersey and not a black one. But I can’t just think of myself. It’s about the team and we want to win this game,” said Strauss.
The Bok believes that he and Meyer Bosman know one another’s tricks.
“Meyer is a good player, especially with regards his distribution. He reads the game very well. We have played against one another and know each other’s game. It will be interesting to see what happens this weekend. I’m looking forward to playing against him.”
Cheetahs backline coach Hawies Fourie warned that Bosman would have to be watched.
“Meyer will fit into the Sharks’ game plan. He is a good playmaker. He should come into his own there and is likely to have a good tournament. We’ll have to be well-organised on defence and need to pressurise him. He knows our game and we will change a move here and there.
“The important thing is to give Meyer little time to play his game. He likes to off-load the ball in contact. It will be an interesting duel between him and Andries. They know one other’s game and will be out to prove a point.”
The Cheetahs will have to play without regular captain Juan Smith. Hooker Adriaan Strauss will be the captain.
