Coach Frans Steyn is excited to see what a former Junior Springbok can do on his Cheetahs debut against Romania A on Wednesday.
Twenty-year-old scrumhalf Erich Visser – who made two SA U20 appearances last year – has been named on the bench for the Toyota Challenge clash at Free State Stadium.
The former Grey College and Shimlas No 9 impressed during this year’s Varsity Cup and has now earned his first opportunity in a Cheetahs jersey.
Steyn said the youngster’s introduction would be carefully managed.
“Vis is on the bench, but with Marco [Jansen van Vuren] there, we want to give him some old heads on the outside to help make the job a little bit easier,” he said.
“You can’t just chuck him into the deep end, but I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do. Hopefully it’s a good outing for him.
“He’ll be playing off the bench first of all, so we’ll see how it goes.”
Experienced No 9 Rewan Kruger is being rested after starring in the Cheetahs’ 54-24 win against Portugal’s Lusitanos last Friday.
Steyn said he was delighted with Kruger’s recent performances.
“I’m very happy. He’s in good form and he’s a valuable guy in the team,” he said. “His experience is coming through as well with the rest of the guys, so I’m very happy with where Rewan is at the moment.”
The Cheetahs have further strengthened their scrumhalf stocks with the signing of double World Cup winner Faf de Klerk, although he is currently with the Springbok training squad in Johannesburg.
CHEETAHS – 15 Ethan Wentzel, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 De-an Ackermann, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Tiaan Swanepoel, 9 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 8 Gideon van der Merwe, 7 Thabang Mahlasi, 6 Sasko Ndlovu, 5 Curtly Thomas, 4 Pieter Janse van Vuren (c), 3 Tebogo Nkosi, 2 Juan Smal, 1 Dux Manyama.
Bench: 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Tielman Niewoudt, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Victor Sekekete, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Erich Visser, 22 Munier Hartzenberg, 23 Litha Nkula.
Toyota Challenge fixtures
Wednesday, 10 June
1:30pm: Griquas vs Black Lion
2:30pm: Pumas vs Portugal
6pm: Cheetahs vs Romania A
Sunday, 14 June
12pm: Griquas vs Portugal
2pm: Pumas vs Romania A
4:30pm: Cheetahs vs Black Lion
Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images
The post Frans eager to unleash Junior Bok appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Coach Frans Steyn is excited to see what a former Junior Springbok can do on his Cheetahs debut against Romania A on Wednesday.
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