The Toyota Cheetahs have been dealt a major blow with the news that loose forward, Willie Britz, has been ruled out of action for at least six weeks.
The teams coach, Franco Smith, confirmed that Britz underwent surgery to his injury knee yesterday.
It comes as big blow to both the player and the team seeing that Britz has just return from a lengthy injury lay-off due to a thumb injury.
Britz started just one match and played off the bench once for the side after replacing the injury Hilton Lobberts during their Australian tour.
Smith confirmed that Britz will be out for a minimum of six weeks.
“Six weeks minimum, if all goes well it will be six weeks and it’s true that it will put him under a lot of pressure to come back in time for the last couple of games.
“But if it’s more serious it will be impossible for him to play Super Rugby again.”
Meanwhile, Smith has made 9 changes to his side to face the Kings on Saturday in the Super Rugby.
Michael van der Spuy will start at inside centre and Smith feels the played big left boot will be an asset to the team
“I still believe that Nico Lee is playing excellent rugby, I think it’s more a choice of moving Francois (Venter), who is more of a decision maker out a little wider.
“His left foot is essential and we can maybe utilise it a little better.
“He deserves a chance, he works hard like all the players in the squad and hopefully a start at home for will be a good reward for all his hard work he has put it.”
Saturday’s clash between the Cheetahs and Kings at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 17:05.
Toyota Cheetahs – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Francois Venter (captain), 12 Michael van der Spuy, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Uzair Cassiem, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Tier Schoeman, 5 Francois Uys, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Maks van Dyk, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld, 1 Charles Marais.
Replacements – 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Luan de Bruin, 19 Henco Venter, 20 Carl Wegner, 21 Tian Meyer, 22 Niel Marias, 23 Nico Lee. – MORGAN PIEK
