Cheetahs rest Faf for Georgia trip

Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk has not been included in a 28-man Cheetahs squad for the away leg of the Toyota Challenge in Tbilisi.

Coach Frans Steyn has opted to rest several players who carried a heavy Currie Cup workload, with the EPCR Challenge Cup in mind. The Cheetahs kick off their European campaign against Bayonne at the Stade Jean-Dauger on Sunday, 18 October.

The Cheetahs will play three matches in Georgia, against Portuguese outfit Lusitanos (Thursday, 24 September), Spain’s Iberians (Tuesday, 29 September) and Georgian side Black Lion (Sunday, 4 October).

Currie Cup champions Griquas and runners-up the Pumas are also taking part in the tournament.

“The focus is primarily on match fitness and allowing players to get valuable game time, particularly those returning from injury,” said Steyn. “It is important that we get them back to full fitness and into a competitive environment.”

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Prop Sibabalwe Booi, flyhalf Darius Erwee and centre Duncan Basson are among the youngsters who will be exposed to the senior set-up, while loose forward Siya Ningiza is set to make his first appearance for the Cheetahs after recovering from injury.

Utility back Ntokozo Makhaza is also returning from injury, while hooker Juandré Schoeman recently joined the Cheetahs from the Bulls.

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Cheetahs touring squad
Duncan Basson, Sibabalwe Booi, Aidon Davis, Darius Erwee, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Daniel Maartens, Ntokozo Makhaza, Matome Manyma, Mihlali Mosi, Sasko Ndlovu, Jandré Nel, Tielman Niewoudt, Siya Ningiza, Tebogo Nkosi, Litha Nkula, John-Kelly Okonkwo, Ben Pitout, Shaun Ray, Juandre Schoeman, Tiaan Swanepoel, Arno van der Merwe, Louis van der Westhuizen, Juan Venter, Stefan Venter, Erich Visser, Sisonke Vumazonke, Carl Wegner, Ethan Wentzel.

Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images