Naka Drotske continues to blood young players and is clearly not afraid to back them, but his latest selection is sure to have caught most pundits unawares.
Naka has selected Junior Bok flyer, Raymond Rhule, on the wing. Rhule announced himself in spectacular fashion vs Argentina in the Junior Boks semi-final of the Junior World Championships, scoring two tries. He has carried that form into the Under 21 Currie Cup, and has obviously impressed Naka sufficiently for him to get the nod.
The team shows a number of changes, due to injuries and Bok commitments, but it is an exciting team regardless. Naka hasn’t announced his replacements yet, as he awaits the results of a scan on lock Andries Ferreira.
Toyota Free State Cheetahs vs Lions:
Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Nico Scheepers, 13 Robert Ebersohn (Captain), 12 Andries Strauss, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Riaan Smit, 9 Pieter van Zyl, 8 Davon Raubenheimer, 7 Lappies Labuschagné, 6 Boom Prinsloo, 5 Izak van der Westhuizen, 4 Waltie Vermeulen, 3 Marcel van der Merwe, 2 Hercu Liebenberg, 1 Trevor Nyakane.
Replacements: TBC
With Heinrich Brüssow and Coenie Oosthuizen still unavailable due to injury and with regular captain Adriaan Strauss on Springbok duty, the captaincy mantle falls on Robert Ebersohn’s shoulders.
Bok 7’s star, Boom Prinsloo, takes the No 6 jersey and Lappies Labuschagne the No 7 jersey, with Davon Raubenheimer slotting in at No 8. I must say that I expected Frans Viljoen to get the nod but the lineout prowess of the MTN Golden Lions clearly played on Naka’s mind.
Walti Vermeulen makes a welcome return from studies and will jump at No 4.
I remember Rhule for the Baby Boks. He has some serious speed. Could well be the fastest wing we have here in SA. Great to see these youngsters getting a chance to play top flight rugby in the CC. Serfontein with the Bulls too will be playing.
Cheeta4eva, Is Rhule not from Ghana? Well even if he was he must have SA Citizenship now after playing for us in the Junior World Cup. Top class talent. Will definitely suit the Cheetahs style of game.
Howzit Puma,
With a middle name of Kofi, definately lol. Yes he was born in Accra, but attended Primarys School in Bloem already, so he has been in the system. Remember Vulindlu, from the Sharks? I see he has joined Griquas. He was also promising.
Users Online
Total 36 users including 0 member, 36 guests, 0 bot online
Most users ever online were 3735, on 31 August 2022 @ 6:23 pm