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'Nice' problem for Cheetahs

Cape Town - Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské admits he has a "nice" problem with eight of his nine loose forwards available for selection.

The successful return of Frans Viljoen and Juan Smith means the coach now has eight of his nine loose forwards available as they prepare for their pre-season game against the Bulls in Polokwane on Saturday.

Only Heinrich Brüssow (shoulder) remains sidelined, while four stalwarts Viljoen, Smith, Philip van der Walt and Lappies Labuschagné all made successful returns against the Stormers last week.

The other loose forwards in the Cheetahs squad are Davon Raubenheimer, Boom Prinsloo, Tertius Daniller and Marnus Schoeman.

Raubenheimer and Prinsloo started in the 27-26 win over the Stormers last week, with Viljoen, Smith and Labuschagné on the bench.

According to the Volksblad website, Drotské is likely to again pick Smith on the bench for Saturday's clash. The 31-year-old Smith featured for 29 minutes against the Stormers after missing two years of rugby due to an Achilles injury.

Drotské must now pick his best four for Saturday's clash, with the coach admitting he has a bit of a selection "problem".

"We now have to pick four loose forwards out of everyone available. I didn't bargain on Frans and Juan being ready (at this stage) and it's definitely a nice problem to have," Drotské quipped.


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