Cheetahs count on Boks

NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 09: Sarel Pretorius of the Free State Cheetahs and Vincent Koch of the Steval Pumas during the Absa Currie Cup match between Steval Pumas and Toyota Free State Cheetahs at Mbombela Stadium on August 09, 2014 in Nelspruit, South Africa. (Photo by Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images)

NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 09: Sarel Pretorius of the Free State Cheetahs and Vincent Koch of the Steval Pumas during the Absa Currie Cup match between Steval Pumas and Toyota Free State Cheetahs at Mbombela Stadium on August 09, 2014 in Nelspruit, South Africa. (Photo by Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images)

Published Oct 10, 2014

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Johannesburg – Bolstered by the return of three Springbok players, the Free State Cheetahs need a bonus-point victory over the Golden Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Even if the Bloemfontein side succeeded in their mission, they would be hoping for a Griquas victory over the fourth-placed Blue Bulls in the final match of the weekend to seal their fate.

The Cheetahs included Springbok lock Lood de Jager, prop Trevor Nyakane and Teboho Mohoje in their starting XV, while the Lions welcomed back inspirational captain and Springbok eighthman Warren Whiteley.

Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann said the Cheetahs were a tougher prospect with their Boks back and it presented a challenge to his charges.

“You always get confidence when you add players of that quality. They bring that experience and they come from a very high level,” Ackermann said.

“You expect them to lift their standard and they are all up front, so they will probably think their set-phases will be much better.

“But it is a nice challenge for a side when you play a side with guys that come from the Springboks.”

While Ackermann hoped his charges would lift their game, Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan believed the trio would give his side a much-needed boost.

“We are very glad to have Teboho, Trevor and Lood back as they bring a wealth of experience that will be needed against a strong side like the Lions,” Duncan said.

“It is going to be a tough game and we still have an outside chance for a spot in the semis. We will be throwing everything at them.”

While the Lions' place in the playoffs was not threatened, they still needed a victory to secure a crucial home semi-final.

If they trip at the final hurdle, the Sharks could take up the second spot on the log with a victory over the pace-setting Western Province, and set up a semi-final match against the Lions in Durban next week.

With the hosting rights in mind, Ackermann said his side had no intention of taking the foot off the gas.

“It is kind of a knockout game for us because we want to play at home. The good thing is we don't' have to score four tries,” Ackermann said.

“It is also a bit of comfort to know we are in a semi-finals but we can make it much more difficult on ourselves if we have to play away from home.”

Ackermann was also forced to make a few changes to his side after injury blows to fullback Andries Coetzee and centre Stokkies Hanekom.

Only a week after returning from a long-term injury, regular flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff has had to slot in at fullback with rising star Jaco van der Walt taking up the pivot role.

The Cheetahs would have the added pressure of bringing to an end the Lions' unbeaten record at their home ground. – Sapa

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