by Andrew Hollely
The racism row that broke this week has not derailed the Cats' focus on Saturday's Vodacom Super 12 match against defending champions, the ACT Brumbies.
That is the view of coach Chester Williams who was adamant when he named the team on Thursday containing three changes and a positional switch for the crunch encounter - that the issue had not even been discussed.
"The guys haven't mentioned it and have got on with the job of preparing for this match. It has not been unsettling for the team," he said.
Waratahs and Wallabies lock Justin Harrison is in hot water after making a racial slur against black Cats wing Chumani Booi during their contest at Ellis Park last weekend.
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The Cats were inept in a number of departments, not least defence as they went down heavily. The Brumbies pose an even tougher assignment and the Johannesburg team are in danger of losing three in a row at home - a situation that could snowball once they travel overseas.
"I think I've got good combinations for this match," stated Williams. "We have had some ill-discipline from the whole side - not to follow up kicks or keep lines. We have been reactive and not proactive (in those situations). That will change on Saturday.
The changes see Dewey Swartbooi coming in on the right wing for Jaque Fourie who moves to outside centre for the injured Jorrie Muller. Muller is said to have a hamstring injury, but it seems he is carrying the can for an error-prone display against the Waratahs.
Michael Claassens replaces Neil Powell at scrumhalf, while a fit Marius Hurter takes the number 3 jersey in place of CJ van der Linde.
Captain Wikus van Heerden, who has been tireless in his efforts for the Cats so far this season admitted it was a game they simply could not afford to lose.
"This is a must win. We have yet to play to our full potential. We are concentrating on getting our game plan right and not just focusing on the win. If we play well that will take care of itself."
The Cats have two more games - against the Brumbies and Highlanders Nat Ellis Park before they set off on the road and victory in at least one of those matches is essential if the season is not to fall apart completely.
Cats team: Conrad Jantjes, Dewey Swartbooi, Jaque Fourie, Wayne Julies, Chumani Booi, Andre Pretorius, Michael Claassens; Juan Smith, Wikus van Heerden (captain), Cobus Grobbelaar, Barend Pieterse, Boela du Plooy, Marius Hurter, Naka Drotske, Os du Randt.
Replacements: Schalk Brits, Lawrence Sephaka, Gordon Gilfillan, Hendro Scholtz, Paul Delport, Tiaan Snyman, Barry Goodes. - Sapa
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