Two new signings pivotal for Cheetahs

Rudolph Jacobs

The Cheetahs will possess more kick after they strengthened their flyhalf resources considerably ahead of the Super Rugby kick-off next month.

Niel Marais remains the No 10 in the saddle after his Currie Cup heroics last year with valuable back-up coming in the form of Fred Zeilinga, but head coach Franco Smith has still signed two additional No 10s.

Smith, who was recently linked with a permanent spot in the Springbok coaching set-up, has also lured prolific goalkicker Clinton Swart (right) from Griquas and talented Ryno Eksteen from the Stormers.

Smith will use several different combinations in their two warm- up matches against the Stormers in Harare on January 28 and against the Sharks in Durban on February 3 ahead of the opener against the Lions in Bloemfontein on February 25.

They will rely heavily on the continuity which served them so well in the Currie Cup, despite the loss of Bok lock Lood de Jager to the Bulls, and prop Maks van Dyk to French giants Toulouse.

Other losses include seasoned flyhalf Sias Ebersohn to the Pumas, fullback Coenie van Wyk to Japanese club Toshiba Brave Lupus as well as No 8 Willie Britz to the Sunwolves in Japan.

Captain Francois Venter will miss the start of the campaign due to ankle surgery, but hooker Torsten van Jaarsveld, lock Reniel Hugo and scrumhalf Tian Meyer have captaincy qualities.