Cheetahs lean on Griquas contingent
4 Nov 2009
The Cheetahs have named a provisional 42-man Super 14 squad that includes 13 Griquas players.
Cheetahs’ backline coach Hawies Fourie said if the players manage to gel well together, they will be able to have a more successful campaign next season.
‘We have a good squad and we need to take that form and confidence we had in the Currie Cup into the Super 14. It’s time we make a step-up next year,’ he told keo.co.za.
Fourie added that the Griquas players will start playing a bigger role in the team. Pivot Naas Olivier is already tipped off to be first choice next season.
‘There are 12 Griquas guys in the provisional squad. We will see how it goes during the pre-season, but I think there should be at least eight of them in the final Super 14 squad, which will be finalised next year,’ he said.
The squad will start their pre-season training on the 18 November, and will be at full strength when they resume on 17 December with the Springboks back.
Cheetahs 42-man squad:
Backs: Hennie Daniller, Riaan Viljoen, Danwel Demas, Bjorn Basson, JW Jonker, Robert Ebersohn, Philip Snyman, Wilmaure Louw, Meyer Bosman, Corné Uys, Barry Geel, Naas Olivier, Louis Strydom, Jongi Nokwe, Lionel Mapoe, Rocco Jansen, Tewis de Bruyn, JP Joubert, Sarel Pretorius, Monty Dumond.
Forwards: Kabamba Floors, Frans Viljoen, Ashley Johnson, Francois Uys, Davon Raubenheimer, Juan Smith, Heinrich Brüssow, Hendro Scholtz, Wesley Wilkins, David de Villiers, Izak van der Westhuizen, Nico Breedt, Rudi Mathee, Kobus Calldo, Ruaan du Preez, WP Nel, Hans Grobler, Rayno Barnes, Adriaan Strauss, Albertus Buckle, Coenie Oosthuizen, Wian du Preez.
By Gareth Duncan
55 Comments
4 Nov 2009, 08:33 am
Glad to see they have not lost any players yet.
4 Nov 2009, 08:41 am
Good squad on paper.
4 Nov 2009, 08:41 am
Thought Brussow was going to the Sharks…
Farking rumours!
4 Nov 2009, 08:47 am
Brussouw is not a free agent and therefore a Cheetah. However, it does not exclude a negotiated deal with the Sharks. It can still happen!
4 Nov 2009, 08:49 am
#3 Kritik: Negotiations and “payment of Contract” still not finalised, so till all that is completed and ink is dry Brussow is still a Cheetah!
4 Nov 2009, 08:50 am
How can Jacques Lombaard be in 2 places at once? He is also in the Lions squad.
So officially now – do we have him or do the lions?
4 Nov 2009, 08:52 am
I agree, its time the Cheetahs step up. After there performance in the Currie Cup final and with this squad I would expect them to be in the top half of the S14 log along with the Stormers and the Bulls.
4 Nov 2009, 08:55 am
As I know the rules the Cheetahs has the first option on Jacques Lombard.
4 Nov 2009, 09:01 am
I think there are two positions we need depth:
1. Flyhalf – I dont think naas, Louis or True Blue (God help us) is the answer. We will hopefully sign Dumond from the Sharks, and then need someone like gaffie to provide real depth.
2. Lock – Again no real depth of talent there. Breedt and De Villiers are ok – but not good enough for S14. I would LOVE it if the Free State could buy Albert vd Berg (seeing as we all know Alastair Hargraves is now the best lock in the world
)
Otherwise think we can put forward a competitive side. Hope to finish in top 10 next year.
My team:
15 – Viljoen
14 – Basson
13 – Snyman
12 – Ebersohn
11 – Demas
10 – Naas
9 – Sarel
8 – Ashley
7 – Juan
6 – Who else….
5 – Breedt (or albert vd berg)
4 – De Villiers
3 – WP
2 – Adriaan
1 – Wiaan
Very good pack…. The question is just whether the backs can do something with the ball they get…..
4 Nov 2009, 09:02 am
No Trompie Nontshinga, that’s a major surprise for me. The guy looked really potent in the CC.
4 Nov 2009, 09:04 am
Trompie has signed up with the Sevens boys.
4 Nov 2009, 09:05 am
I would hope that Wilton Pieterson recovers well and plays good Vodacom Cup rugby so that he too can get his chance at Super 14…
I think the Cheetahs should make an outrageous bid for…
FRANCOIS BRUMMER!!!
Seeing that the Bulls have Steyn, Potgieter and now Jaco v/d Westhuizen
4 Nov 2009, 09:06 am
If I remember correctly Trompie is with the SA sevens.
4 Nov 2009, 09:06 am
#9 Cheetha Champs: Who is “True Blue?”
4 Nov 2009, 09:06 am
I am interested to see if Rudi Matthee can make the step up.
What little I saw of him was promising and might provide a little “Bakkies Grunt” in the tight 5.
4 Nov 2009, 09:12 am
Not too long ago everybody talked about Sias Ebersohn. Seems he is forgotten and Francois Brummer is the man.
4 Nov 2009, 09:15 am
Jaco vd Westhuyzen is contracted to the Bulls as a fullback/wing. The last time Jaco played no 10 for the Bulls was in 2002, before Derick Hougaard arrived on the scene.
4 Nov 2009, 09:16 am
looks like a good side but i don’t think they have the game breakers to win a S14
4 Nov 2009, 09:17 am
#5 Sharksgirl: If the Sharks do ‘purchase’ Brussow, it will only be from 2011.
I hope Riaan Viljoen will be the first choice fullback. Danniller has a great boot, but his game is way too predictable. I still think Hennie should consider a move to outside center… his strong running is wasted at 15 when everyone can see him coming.
The centers (according to me) should be Ebehrson and Snyman as a combination and Bosman with Geel/Danniller. The latter combination will be pretty impressive considering their type of power-running, if they manage to gel.
4 Nov 2009, 09:18 am
#14 Gambit25: Some useless tapit we signed from Benoni or Boksburg. Not sure.
I wish Free State could sign Brummer, but there is no way we have the money. He will be a Bok in the next two years. Real class act
4 Nov 2009, 09:19 am
#18 iamawpfan: Hmmm… considering all the ‘game-breakers’ the Bulls and Sharks had over the years, taking them almost 2 decades to achieve something, I can’t see that point as valid. It’s well and truly a motivational thing.
4 Nov 2009, 09:21 am
#18 iamawpfan: I dont think even the most optimistic Cheetahs fan think we could win the whole thing.
#16 dWeePer: Sias is too small (really…). Also his kicking is not good enough. Had a 40% record this year.
The successful free State sides have always had a great kicker (De Waal, De Wet Ras, Pienaar)
4 Nov 2009, 09:21 am
#19 Bouts: I believe that the Sharks are prepared to buy out Brussow’s contract. Or so the Volksblad stated. Streuli has stated that all will be revealed in the next couple of weeks.
4 Nov 2009, 09:30 am
#22 Cheetha Champs: Sias isn’t a kicking flyhalf, that’s true, but he scores well and put his backline away fantastically. That would mean someone else would do the kicking, and Riaan Viljoen will be there.
4 Nov 2009, 10:03 am
Good side, with good back up for a change! Where has Brendon Snyman dissappeared to, he looked promising too.
Also don’t think Sias is the answer just yet!! Riaan Viljoen has played flyhalf for Griquas with success as well. Lets throw a curve ball around. I will list two possiblities in some positions that could do well
15. Daniller/Viljoen
14. Mapoe
13. Snyman
12. Ebersohn
11. Nokwe
10. Naas Olivier
9. Sarel Pretorius
8. Johnson
7. Juan Smith
6. Brussow
5. David de Vill
4. Nico Breedt
3. WP Nel
2. Adraai Strauss
1. Wian du Preez
16. Coenie Oosthuizen
17. Ryno Barnes
18. Rudi Mathee
19. Frans Viljoen
20. Tewis de Bruyn (Kicking option)
21. Bosman
22. Basson
4 Nov 2009, 10:09 am
The Bulls have 6 locks who performed well in the CC and with Lombard seemingly on his way to the Lions, then surely one of Fudge Mabeta or Flip vd Merwe should made available to the Cheetahs for the s14.
#9 Cheetah Champs:
How could you pick Demas ahead of Mapoe?
4 Nov 2009, 11:15 am
#26 mxhosa: Sorry dude, Mapoe slipped my mind for a second. I would pick him.
I love Bjorn Basson though, think he is a real talent.
4 Nov 2009, 11:15 am
#26 mxhosa: Also agree on your comment re locks, but there is no chance that it will happen
4 Nov 2009, 11:20 am
#27 Cheetha Champs: Mapoe slipped PDV S mind too it seems!
4 Nov 2009, 11:22 am
But why not Cheetah, coz we will have two young locks who could be playing super rugby playing in the vodacom cup, how’s that for development? Hopefully SARU will come to their senses and introduce a draft system, it did wonders for Gary Botha.
4 Nov 2009, 11:32 am
#29 grant10:
4 Nov 2009, 11:36 am
#30 mxhosa: In NZ the players are contracted by the NZRU- which means they technically employ all NZ rugby players and can therefore influence for which province they play.
In SA the players are contracted by their union – who pays them a good salary – and wants their pound of flesh.
lastly, the Bulls will argue that they might want to rest Matfield and Botha and play Steemkamp and vd Merwe – which leaves Rossouw (who they will argue is actually cover for loose forward) and then Mabetha.
If there is an injury (which there will be), Mabetha will then become the back up lock.
All very bizarre i know, but the sad reality. Cheetahs should never have sold Flip vd Merwe to the Bulls.
4 Nov 2009, 11:38 am
#25 Cheetah 4 Eva: Geel also impressed me this season. Would also work well with Bosman or Ebehrson. Uys is useless… please don’t consider him next season!!
4 Nov 2009, 11:41 am
#32 Cheetha Champs: Flip vdM didn’t work out with the Cheetahs. He messed up too regularly! His style of play suits the Bulls more, so I won’t cry too much about the loss.
4 Nov 2009, 11:51 am
#6 Smellthis: #8 dWeePer:
The Lions and Lombaard deal only went through on monday.
Lombaard is now a Lion, we bought him out of his contract from the Griquas.
4 Nov 2009, 11:52 am
#34 Bouts: I dont think he was given enough of a chance. Bulls and Cheetahs play similar style, which is why i think he moved. Anyway, water under the bridge, another player lost….
4 Nov 2009, 11:57 am
#26 mxhosa:
Lombaard already trained with the guys yesterday.
4 Nov 2009, 12:01 pm
#36 Cheetha Champs: Argh! Blasphemy! Don’t ever compare the Cheetah and Bulls style!
And let’s just agree to disagree about Flip.
4 Nov 2009, 12:17 pm
#34 BOUTS:
What chances are you talking about? Because I don’t ever recall vd Merwe playing 5 games in a row for the Cheetahs(I stand corrected). When he emerged from the u21′s there was Corniel van Zyl and Barend Pieterse, when they left it was Dawid de Villiers and Rory Duncan and this season Wayne van Heerden and de Villiers, so when exactly did he ever get an extended chance?
4 Nov 2009, 12:18 pm
15. Riaan Viljoen
14. Lionel Mapoe
13. Barry Geel
12. Robert Ebershon
11.Jongi Nokwe
10.Naas Olivier
9.Sarel Pretorius
8.Frans Viljoen
7.Juan Smith
6.Heinrich Brussow
5.David De Villiers
4.Jacques Lombaard
3.WP Nel
2.Adriaan Strauss
1.Wian Du Preez
Nothing flash…
4 Nov 2009, 15:02 pm
#40 Skim:
15. Riaan Viljoen/Daniller
14. Lionel Mapoe/Basson
13. Barry Geel/Jonker
12. Robert Ebershon/Bosman
11.Jongi Nokwe/Demas
10.Naas Olivier
9.Sarel Pretorius?tewis de Bruyn
8.Frans Viljoen/Francois Uys/Johnson
7.Juan Smith/Viljoen/Raubenheimer
6.Heinrich Brussow/Scholtz/Wesley Wilkins
5.David De Villiers/Izak vd Westhuizen
4.Jacques Lombaard/Nico Breedt
3.WP Nel
2.Adriaan Strauss/Ryno Barnes
1.Wian Du Preez/Coenie Oosthuizen
Maybe not flash in your view, but a damn sight better than we started off with last year. It’s a settled squad, that apart from some newbies have played together consistently. Not many squads in SA boast the same depth in almost every position bar flyhalf
4 Nov 2009, 15:12 pm
Brussow confirmed to stay with the Cheetahs till the end of 2010!!
Sorry SG and SL…. the pocket battleship will sail the sharktank in orange, and cause havoc for at least another year.
Cheetahs squad looks pretty impressive!!
Springboks: Juan Smith, Brussow, Scholtz, Floors, Adriaan Strauss, Meyer Bosman, Nokwe
Uncapped Boks: Wian, Raubenheimer, Johnson, Riaan Viljoen
Sevens Boks: Robert Ebersohn, Mapoe,
Future Boks: WP Nel, Coenie Oosthuizen!!
Not bad at all!!
4 Nov 2009, 15:13 pm
Brussow has apparently signed an extension with the Cheetahs till end of 2010…this is from the CEO of Cheetahs franchise
Farking rumours!!
4 Nov 2009, 15:19 pm
#42 Cheetah 4 Eva: That is good news for you guys! Wonder what the SHarks will do now? Wish they would just name their S14 squad!
4 Nov 2009, 15:36 pm
#44 Sharksgirl: Indeed, I agree, gives us something to talk about… get very bored over the “off season” !!
There has been considerably more “player transactions” at the Sharks it seems!!
4 Nov 2009, 15:42 pm
#45 Cheetah 4 Eva: It seems so, I really whant to know what the Sharks will look like for S14. I am a fiercely loyal Sharks fan, and for a while now have attended all home games (bar one or two) but this year I whant to see first what the squad looks like, before I renew my season tickets. I live 90kms from the tank, and its really a shlep to go all the way to the tank to watch them throw games! If we have the same depth issues as last year I think this year I will watch from the comfort of my couch
4 Nov 2009, 15:50 pm
#42 Cheetah 4 Eva: Not bad….just hope they dont freeze when they see the kiwis and aussies on other side of the field….
Pity they couldnt have kept J L;ombaard…need some depth at lock there.
4 Nov 2009, 17:34 pm
#47 grant10: Lol, that freeze story is a fallacy G10!! If you look at the 2007 season, they lost numerous games in the last few minutes, and lost something like 5 matches by less than 5 points.
In 2008, they were disrupted right from the start, and had a terrible draw, yet when they came good towards the en they really gave the Chiefs a good run, beat the Crusaders and the Sharks… so I don’t buy into this “they roll over against overseas opposition” story!!
4 Nov 2009, 18:59 pm
Rohan Kitshoff, unlucky to miss out he is arguably just as good as Hendro , better than Kabamba.
So is Kabamba playing wing again this year cheaters ??lol
4 Nov 2009, 19:00 pm
Sias Ebershon?
Tertius Carse?
Jacques Lombaard?
Richard Strauss?
?
4 Nov 2009, 19:08 pm
#49 wp_boytjie:
Kitshoff is a WP contracted player who was on loan to the Cheetahs.
Surprised you don’t know this with your nickname.
4 Nov 2009, 19:10 pm
Has Richard Strauss signed for overseas?
I read Lombaard can’t get out of his Griquas contract to play for the Lions, so why isn’t he in this provisional squad?
The Cheetahs are certainly thin at lock.
Tertius Carse? I wonder where he will be playing. I really rate him and don’t think he’s been given a fair opportunity at a higher level.
Sias Ebershon to sevens?
And where is this Smith flyhalf from the Leopards?
4 Nov 2009, 19:15 pm
Richart Strauss overseas
Lombard at Lions
Carse not favoured with Sarel Pretorius , Tewis De Bruyn and JP
4 Nov 2009, 20:21 pm
#52 puff: #52 puff: Yes R Strauss going overseas.. Jacques Lombard is in the 42 man provisional squad. Carse is good, but with all the 9′sin the squad, he will battle!!
Dumond will be a useful back up to naas Olivier. Sias Ebersohn, still a bit “light” for S14 in my opinion
4 Nov 2009, 22:19 pm
The Griquas boys deserve it- they had an outsanding CC for such a small budget union.
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.