Four men who’ve calmed the Cheetahs’ depth nerves
Rory Duncan's team has been weakened by national duty and departures for the resumption of the Pro14. But they've somehow plugged the gaps.
Tertius Kruger was outstanding while on loan to Griquas. Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images.
Earlier this month, the Cheetahs went into the international window wondering how their depth would look in the Pro14.
Indeed, they said goodbye to Springbok wingers Raymond Rhule and Sergeal Petersen, who’ve joined the Stormers, and have had to absorb flanker Oupa Mohoje and inspirational skipper Francois Venter being on national duty.
Yet as the men from Bloemfontein – who to date have won four of their eight matches – resume their campaign at home against Edinburgh on Friday evening, it seems they’ve somehow managed to plug those gaps.
Here are five men adding to the Cheetahs’ depth.
Daniel Maartens (Flanker)
Daniel Maartens. (Photo by Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images)
This pocket rocket is not a big man – he only stands at 1.79m tall – but at a compact 90kg Maartens certainly packs a punch.
The 22-year-old, a stalwart for the Shimlas in the Varsity Cup, made a big impression in the Currie Cup.
He is simply tireless on the field, constantly moving and, as a result, always in the thick of the action.
Maartens has a nose for gliding through a defence and is an equally good defender too.
He made 9 turnovers in just 283 minutes of the campaign.
Jasper Wiese (Flanker)
Jasper Wiese. (Photo by Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images)
Despite being a bit in younger brother and Western Province ace Cobus’ shadow, Wiese was one of the finds of the Free State’s Currie Cup campaign.
His big frame makes him a very effective ball-carrier and provides much-needed bulk to any loose trio, especially in Europe where the going can get slower.
Wiese did get his taste of Pro14 rugby against Connacht and will now hope to gain more exposure.
Craig Barry (Utility back)
Craig Barry. Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images.
About five years ago, Barry seemed to be destined for a very exciting career.
He’d coasted through age-group rugby and was a Junior Springbok but there was also a knack of picking up injuries.
Those niggles became far more regular and he was out of contract at Western Province at the ripe age of 22.
Barry focused on his studies at Stellenbosch University and starred for Maties in the Varsity Cup.
His hard work paid off as Province finally came knocking again and performed well enough for the Cheetahs to come loan him.
Barry has always been a skillful runner but don’t underestimate his organisational skills.
Tertius Kruger (Centre)
What an absolute gem this 24-year-old has proven to be!
Loaned to Griquas for the Currie Cup campaign, the Cheetahs quickly realised they needed to hang onto him once that arrangement had run its course.
Stocky but powerful, Kruger was magnificent during his time in Kimberley.
He made more than a 1 000 running metres, broke the line 12 times and broke a tackle on 11 occasions.
And for good measure, Kruger was a monster on defence.
A tackle completion rate of 89%, 11 dominant tackles and 3 turnovers.
The Cheetahs will hope the Pro14 confirms that he’s a real deal.
Cheetahs: Clayton Blommetjies, Luther Obi, William Small-Smith, Nico Lee, Makazole Mapimpi, Fred Zeilinga, Shaun Venter, Junior Pokomela, Rynier Bernardo, Paul Schoeman, Reniel Hugo, Carl Wegner, Aranos Coetzee, Torsten van Jaarsveld (c), Charles Marais. Bench: Jacques du Toit, Ox Nche, Tom Botha, Jasper Wiese, Daniel Maartens, Tian Meyer, Tertius Kruger, Craig Barry.
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