Unbeaten Crusaders are expecting a big performance from the Cheetahs
JOHANNEBURG: The Cheetahs may be one of the whipping boys in Super Rugby, but the multiple champion Crusaders are not taking them lightly.
Scott Robertson has made just one change to the side that hammered the Stormers last weekend for their round 10 match in Bloemfontein tomorrow, an indication that he is expecting a big performance from the home side.
The only change is at scrumhalf where Bryn Hall starts ahead of Mitchell Drummond; for the rest it is the same team that scored a 57-23 win over the Stormers in Christchurch.
It’s going to be a huge test for Franco Smith and his men, who have won just twice in eight outings this year, while the visitors are unbeaten so far – the only side with a perfect record.
The Cheetahs are coming off a poor showing against the Bulls last week, while before that they gave up a 24-0 lead against the Chiefs to lose 27-41 in Bloemfontein.
The difference in class between the teams is evident in some of the statistics so far: the Crusaders have the best defensive record having conceded 18.7 points per game, while the Cheetahs are one of the worst performing sides defensively, having let in 35 points per game.
Also, the Crusaders are one of the most lethal teams on attack – they have scored a whopping 44 tries (only the Hurricanes have scored more – 56 – while the Cheetahs have managed just 19.
But Smith, pictured, will hope that the axe hovering over the Cheetahs’ heads will spur the side on, like it did for the Kings last week, who surprised friend and foe by upsetting the Waratahs in Sydney last weekend.
The good news is the Cheetahs are at least close to full strength with Sergeal Petersen on the right wing, Uzair Cassiem back on the side of the scrum and Ox Nche playing in the front row.
The match kicks 5.15pm tomorrow. off at