Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské will be hoping he has a similar problem in a few months time – having to pick just four loose forwards from a pool of nine!
“We now have to pick four loose forwards out of everyone available. I didn’t bargain on Frans and Juan being ready (at this stage) and it’s definitely a nice problem to have,” said Drotské on the Cheetahs website.
Only Heinrich Brüssow (with a shoulder injury) remains sidelined, while four stalwarts Frans Viljoen, Juan Smith, Philip van der Walt and Lappies Labuschagné all made successful returns to the game against the Stormers last week.
Waiting in the wings are Davon Raubenheimer, Boom Prinsloo, Tertius Daniller and Marnus Schoeman.
Smith looking like he might be able to play the game again after a potentially career ending Achilles injury, is perhaps the news the whole country, and not just those in Bloemontein, is most excited about. And how he is handled by the Cheetahs will be watched closely.
The Cheetahs website suggests that Drotské is likely to keep Smith on the bench this weekend after getting 29 minutes against the Stormers, and that would be the prudent move.
The Cheetahs play the Bulls in Polokwane on Saturday.
