Share

Cheetahs without Lee for Japanese tussle

Cape Town - Cheetahs centre Nico Lee will miss their Super Rugby clash against the Sunwolves in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Lee injured his shoulder in last weekend’s 34-28 home win over the Bulls, and according to Netwerk24, he will not be risked for the game against the Japanese side.

Lee’s midfield partner, Clinton Swart, also picked up a rib injury against the Bulls but he is likely to face the Sunwolves.

The Cheetahs’ win over the Bulls came at a heavy price, with Sport24 earlier reporting the injuries to three frontline players.

Lock Reniel Hugo - who injured his knee against the Bulls - will beout for the remainder of the Super Rugby season.

Flank Uzair Cassiem and prop Ox Nche also picked up knee injuries last weekend and face spells on the sidelines.

Cassiem has a Grade 2 ligament tear which will keep him sidelined for up to a month, while Nche has a Grade 1 tear and will be out for about 10 days.

Despite the injuries, the Cheetahs will remain confident of beating the struggling Sunwolves at home.

The Japanese team started their season with an 83-17 loss to the Hurricanes, before losing 37-23 to the Kings in Singapore at the weekend.

Cheetahs coach Franco Smith is confident they will overcome their injury woes.

"We knew from the start that injuries would be a part of it so we're going to just fight through it," he said.

Saturday's clash is scheduled for 17:15, with Smith to name his team later on Thursday.

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!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 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