The Toyota Cheetahs have announced their squad which will be departing for Cardiff on Monday.
The team will enjoy a three week tour to Wales and Scotland where they will lock-horns with the Cardiff Blues, Glasgow Warriors and Ospreys in the Guinness Pro14.
The side welcomes back Malcolm Jaer and Luther Obi who have recovered from a shin injury and a broken arm respectively.
Furthermore the captain, Francois Venter, and the fiery hooker, Torsten van Jaarsveld, and the loose-forward, Tier Schoeman, have also been cleared for their respective injuries.
Craig Barry makes his “return” to the team after briefly returning to Western Province following their 45-24 win over the Southern Kings in their previous match.
The departure of the leading try scorer in the competition, Makazole Mapimpi, has afforded the former Varsity Cup winning Tuks winger, Rabs Maxwane, an opportunity to cement his spot in the starting XV. He’s only game for the Cheetahs was when he came on as a replacement during their 28-21 win over the champions, Scarlets in December.
Interestingly there is no place on the flight up north for the versatile Clinton Swart or the flank, Gerhard Olivier.
The Cheetahs are currently third in Conference A, and strong tour will go a long way in secure a spot in the play-offs, and possibly even a home knockout fixture.
The Cheetahs face Cardiff Blues next week Saturday at Cardiff Arms Park in their tour opener. Kick-off in the Welsh capital city is at 21:35.
Toyota Cheetahs Squad – Craig Barry, Justin Basson, Rynier Barnardo, Clayton Blommetjies, Tom Botha, Uzair Cassiem, AJ Coertzen, Aranos Coetzee, Luan de Bruin, Jacques du Toit, Joseph Dweba, Reniel Hugo, Malcolm Jaer, Nico Lee, Charles Marais, Niel Marais, Rabs Maxwane, Zee Mkhabela, Oupa Mohoje, Ox Nche, Luther Obi, Tier Schoeman, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Henco Venter, Francois Venter (captain), Shaun Venter, Carl Wegner, Fred Zeilinga. – MORGAN PIEK
