Cheetahs dangermen Stormers must
THE Cheetahs have in recent years become one of those teams one feels always have something to prove.
While that’s probably not the case, the Free State team going up against one of the bigger franchises is always a fixture to look forward to.
While their SA Rugby Preparation Series game against the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium tomorrow (5.15pm kick-off) is exactly that – preparation – it is doubtful that either team will be approaching this game like some kind of inconsequential warm-up.
Whatever the objective for these two teams, this game is a chance, it’s an opportunity, and they’ll want to make the most of it.
For the Stormers, the players who have been included this week will be keen to show what they can do as the focus shifts to giving all players some game time ahead of the Rainbow Cup.
It may not be the same for the visitors, who have named a fullstrength side, but what player goes out there not wanting to do his best?
So, as they prepare to take on the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium, here are four players who can make things a little tough for the hosts.
Rosko Specman
Specman’s attacking abilities are insane, and while he said last year that he felt like he struggled to adapt to the Bulls’ playing style, he made an immediate impact, and seeing him go into a new season in a team where he won’t have to worry about going extended periods without the ball is an exciting prospect.
Whether it’s him ghosting defences or just adding that Sevens spice, Specmagic is one Cheetah the Stormers need to constantly have on their radar.
Frans Steyn
Steyn can make a serious impact to any game, and not just because of his boot.
The majorly talented and oh-soversatile back has been a huge presence for the Cheetahs at times and there is no reason why the same shouldn’t apply tomorrow.
Jeandre Rudolph
Give him eight or give him six, it doesn’t really matter, because he has showed his worth as a linking player when he wore the No 8 jumper, and when he’s put on the openside jersey he made no less of an impact.
If there are areas where the Stormers are going to have to be on high alert with this guy in the mix, it’s the breakdown and collisions.
Rhyno Smith
With a bit space, this man is dangerous.
Playing in the Pro14, Smith was one of the Cheetahs’ standout performers, and he has continued to show what an asset he is to the Bloemfontein side with that handy boot, trustworthy service under the high ball, and his ability to add a lethal hand on attack when he joins the line.