Bloemfontein – The Toyota Cheetahs head into this weekend’s Super Rugby match against the Bulls at Loftus Verfeld with confidence following their resounding 35-22 win over the Stormers in Bloemfontein.
The Cheetahs were at their level best against the side from Cape Town, crossing their whitewash on no fewer than five occasions.
Captain Adriaan Strauss says the win will give them confidence, but they will be wary of the Bulls who have returned from their Australasian tour without a win as well.
Former Springbok Sevens stalwart and Cheetahs utility back, Rayno Benjamin, is proving to be an outstanding inside after serving the majority of his career on the wing.
Benjamin was forced to take up the role with Francois Venter’s shoulder injury earlier in the season and is proving to be a natural in the specialised role.
He scored the Cheetahs’ second of five tries during the win over the Cape side and coach Naka Drotské said he is delighted with Benjamin’s contribution in the midfield, and feels that’s where his future lies in rugby.
Drostké went on to laud Springbok Willie le Roux, who has returned to his very best after taking a slight dip over the last few months.
"Form is temporary, but class is permanent and I think it showed with someone like Willie le Roux. It was the old Willie again after he had a bit of a slump the last couple of weeks. He attacked the line again and was brilliant. It is great to have him back again," said the proud coach.
Furthermore, the side will be able to restart building their continuity following a match with no injuries and are set to be boosted with the return of Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen this coming weekend.
Saturday afternoon’s match at Fortress Loftus kicks off at 17:05.
Scorers:
Cheetahs – Tries: Hennie Daniller, Rayno Benjamin, Willie le Roux, Cornal Hendricks, Trevor Nyakane Conv: Elgar Watts (2) Pen: Watts (2).
Stormers – Tries: Nizaam Carr, Devon Williams, Jean de Villiers Conv: Peter Grant, Kurt Coleman Pen: Grant.
