Cape Town - The Free State Cheetahs believe the return of a few of their Springboks will be a major boost ahead of their Currie Cup clash against the Golden Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The Cheetahs must beat the Lions and hope other results go their way if they are to have any chance of sneaking into the playoffs.
The have been boosted this week by the return of lock Lood de Jager, flank Teboho "Oupa" Mohoje and prop Trevor Nyakane from the Springbok squad.
The trio was part of the Springboks' Rugby Championship campaign but because they are not contracted Boks, they are allowed to play Currie Cup.
Captain Torsten van Jaarsveld said they are especially looking forward to having an improved lineout on Saturday.
"The experience Oupa and Lood gained in recent times will make a difference," Van Jaarsveld told Volksblad.
Coach Rory Duncan echoed his captain's sentiments.
"They'll make a big difference in our lineouts. They add that extra height-factor we need and they have a lot of explosiveness."
For the Cheetahs to make the semi-finals, they must beat the Lions and hope the Blue Bulls lose at home to Griquas.
The Cheetahs must beat the Lions and hope other results go their way if they are to have any chance of sneaking into the playoffs.
The have been boosted this week by the return of lock Lood de Jager, flank Teboho "Oupa" Mohoje and prop Trevor Nyakane from the Springbok squad.
The trio was part of the Springboks' Rugby Championship campaign but because they are not contracted Boks, they are allowed to play Currie Cup.
Captain Torsten van Jaarsveld said they are especially looking forward to having an improved lineout on Saturday.
"The experience Oupa and Lood gained in recent times will make a difference," Van Jaarsveld told Volksblad.
Coach Rory Duncan echoed his captain's sentiments.
"They'll make a big difference in our lineouts. They add that extra height-factor we need and they have a lot of explosiveness."
For the Cheetahs to make the semi-finals, they must beat the Lions and hope the Blue Bulls lose at home to Griquas.