The Cheetahs will be able to select Ruan Pienaar for the Currie Cup semi-finals, but Hawies Fourie has not confirmed whether the veteran will face the Vodacom Bulls at flyhalf or scrumhalf.
Pienaar missed the Cheetahs’ final-round victory over the Bulls in Pretoria due to a family bereavement.
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In his absence, Siya Masuku returned to the No 10 jersey and scored 19 points to help the Cheetahs win with a bonus point and finish on top of the log.
In the previous two games, Pienaar had played at flyhalf due to Masuku’s loss of form and played a crucial role in securing a draw with Griquas in Kimberley and a win over the Pumas in Nelspruit.
“We can choose Ruan at scrumhalf or flyhalf and will make the decision later,” Fourie said during a press conference.
“He is definitely back in the team after having to support his family and relatives. It’s good to have him back for the semi-final.
“The team will be announced on Friday.”
Fourie hailed the impact of the Currie Cup minnows in competing with the four franchises, who were able to boost their teams with United Rugby Championship regulars in the latter parts of the domestic tournament.
“We must give credit to the Griquas and the Pumas — four, five years ago, they were teams which would concede 30, 40 points. Now they are teams that can beat anyone on the day.
“The Griffons must also get credit. They were never a punching bag and in every match they fought hard.
“At half time, in many of their matches, they were still in the mix. They were the new team in the competition, and everyone might have thought they would take big losses, but they stood tall to the man and made sure that the competition remained tough.
“The URC teams — after the end of that competition — brought their players into the Cup, and it improved the standard and intensity.
“I believe we are in a very good space regarding the Currie Cup.”
Photo: Photo: Twitter/@CheetahsRugby