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Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské on Wednesday made one change from the side who beat the Kings a fortnight ago before going on well-earned rest week last week.
But now that they have to return to action against one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the competition, Drotské has laid down where he sees the Hurricanes weaknesses after watching the Bulls 48-14 mauling of them at Loftus Versfeld last week.
Frans Viljoen will come in for Lappies Labuschagné in the only change to the team - but not one that has overly crippled the team, despite Labuschagné’s good form this season.
“Especially at lineout time, Lappies was crucial and in contesting the opposition lineout,” Drotské explained.
“To lose him is a blow, and he will be ready for next week, but I do think a guy like Frans suits playing New Zealand teams, because he is very physical and that is what you need if you want to beat them.”
Drotské did point to an entertaining game from both sides, but was clear just where he feels the Cheetahs should target the Hurricanes.
“I do think it will be an expansive game. There is no rain and the way the Hurricanes play is pretty much like we do. They try to attack from their own half when it is on and they keep the ball in hand. Counter attacks are one of their strengths. Hopefully it won’t be a high scoring game from both teams. Our defence is a lot better,” he added.
“Looking at last week and the weeks before, at scrum time and their stopping of the maul is suspect, so we will like to attack them there. But other than that, you have to keep the ball through phases and they have conceded a few tries. If you manage to keep the ball through five or six or seven phases, you tend to find reward. It is very important that we keep the ball through these phases.”
Coenie Oosthuizen starts at loosehead again and will move to tighthead in the second half to make room for Trevor Nyakane. But as Drotské explains, Oosthuizen personifies the grunt of the attack he is looking for in targeting the scrum, and hopes that if Oosthuizen fires, it will be half the battle won.
“Coenie takes a lot of stuff personal, when he runs onto the pitch he takes it personal. I think it is a good contest, and we will target their scrum. We do think it is a weakness and Coenie will play loosehead and after halftime move over to the tighthead. “
The Cheetahs are very much still in the running to win the SA conference, and will need to win their home games if they are to continue their exceptional run this season.
Teams:Cheetahs:
15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Willie le Roux, 13 Johan Sadie, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Burton Francis, 9 Piet van Zyl, 8 Phillip van der Walt, 7 Frans Viljoen, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Francois Uys, 4 Lodewyk de Jager, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Coenie Oosthuisen
Substitutes: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Landman Ligtoring, 19 Boom Prinsloo, 20 Sarel Pretorius, 21 Elgar Watts, 22 Ryno Benjamin
Hurricanes:
TBA
