Pienaar back for Cheetahs by end of year

There was a sigh of relief from Toyota Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie that his captain and vete Ruan Pienaar’s knee injury is not as serious as first expected.

Fourie confirmed to Supersport that while it is an MCL injury, the diagnosis was better than expected and Pienaar doesn’t have to undergo surgery for the injury, which makes his return before the end of year an unexpected bonus for the team.

“We will have a better idea in around three to four weeks, and his knee has been put in a brace, he doesn’t have to be operated on,” Fourie told Supersport.

“That is very positive because the recovery will be a lot quicker. The brace is on for three to four weeks and then we will know for sure how long he will be out. But at this stage it looks like he will be back at the end of December.

“Ruan’s injury is the only serious one from the weekend. The other players that are injured were more long-term injuries – Duncan Saal (hamstring), Wilmar Arnoldi (cheekbone), Aranos Coetzee (ankle ligaments).”

Fourie did say that the injury to Pienaar, which came when Marco van Staden dived over a ruck to try and tackle him, was a massive setback for the side.

“Ruan is a massive setback for us, he is an important guy in the team for us – he is our captain and placekicker, and an unbelievable rugby player. It is a massive setback.

“But Tian Meyer played well when he came on against the Bulls and for 65 minutes he gave excellent service to the backs and kicked well. Tian hasn’t been in the starting line-up for quite a while, and then we also have Ruben de Haas, who is a very talented youngster.

“He will also get his chance to play in the competition now.”

Pienaar will still play a vital part in the side for now, and the Cheetahs plan to use his experience throughout the competition.

“We are going to keep Ruan with the team, we will use his input and leadership, even though he can’t play. He can still be involved in our meetings and give us input, and we can use his experience.”