Piet beats out Sarel for Cheetahs
by Brenden Nel 02 August 2012, 10:49
Toyota Cheetahs scrumhalf Piet van Zyl has the perfect chance to establish himself as the incumbent when he takes the field at halfback for his side’s pre-season friendly against the touring Cardiff Blues in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Van Zyl is seen as a rising star in SA Rugby and was recently invited by Bok coach Heyneke Meyer to train with the Boks as part of a group of rising stars and will want nothing more than to lay a claim to the halfback jersey.
The reason is simple, on the bench is Waratahs scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius, recently back in Bloemfontein after spending an indifferent season with the Super Rugby team. Now that he is back, Pretorius will be hoping for a prolonged run in the Currie Cup to help him refind his form ahead of a possible return to Sydney.
The Cheetahs have named a top class team to face the Welsh, with the game being the highlight of Grey College’s Centenary celebrations. Cardiff boast a number of international players, including big British and Irish Lions midfielder Jamie Roberts.
Interestingly, the Cheetahs have gone with Barry Geel at inside centre ahead of Andries Strauss while there is also place on the bench for Sias Ebersohn, import Ross Geldenhuys and Pretorius.
Fullback Hennie Daniller, winger Cameron Jacobs and No 8 Davon Raubenheimer all make their return to the side after being injured in Super Rugby battles.
Team: Hennie Daniller, Philip Snyman, Robert Ebersohn, Barry Geel, Cameron Jacobs, Riaan Smit, Pieter van Zyl, Davon Raubenheimer, Lappies Labuschagné, Kabamba Floors, Izak van der Westhuizen, Andries Ferreira, Marcel van der Merwe, Adriaan Strauss (capt), Trevor Nyakane.
Replacements: Hercu Liebenberg, Ross Geldenhuys, Waltie Vermeulen, Frans Viljoen, Sarel Pretorius, Sias Ebersohn, Andries Strauss.
