Injury-hit Cheetahs rejuvenated for Zebre hunt

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Captain Victor Sekekete says the Cheetahs are in good spirits and eager to test their depth against Zebre in the EPCR Challenge Cup match in Amsterdam on Sunday, despite missing key players to injury.

The injury list includes Cameron Dawson (calf), James Verity-Amm (knee), Gideon van der Merwe (ankle), Robert Hunt (calf), Banele Mthenjane (hamstring), Carl Wegner (finger), Oupa Mohoje (shoulder) and Schalk Ferreira (hamstring).

“Despite the injuries the vibe in the camp is good,” Sekekete said on Friday. “We have a couple of youngsters eager to raise their hand and earn a spot in the team.

“Returning after the festive season, it was clear that the guys needed a break of some sort. We are a family-orientated team; the guys returned rejuvenated, and the bodies had time to rest. The guys had energy and effort in training, so the break was good.”

There are five changes to the starting XV that went down 26-10 in Cardiff on 14 December. Sekekete binds up at No 5 in a pack that welcomes loosehead Henco van Wyk for Ferreira, Pieter Janse van Vuren for lock Carl Wegner, and flankers Daniel Maartens and Friedle Olivier for Gideon van der Merwe and Oupa Mohoje respectively.

The only change at the back sees Prince Nkabinde replace Cohen Jasper, while a conventional bench features speedster Litha Nkula, making his first appearance i the competition since his debut against Claremont last year, and rookie flanker Sisonke Vumazonke.

Following a draw against Perpignan and loss to Cardiff, the Cheetahs are fifth in Pool A, and a win is be essential to continue to the last 16. Zebre are looking for their first win.

“Zebre is a good side upfront and has a good attacking side. We’re not taking this game lightly. We know that we are up for a big fight. It is a big challenge for us.” said Coach Izak van der Westhuizen.

“We have a couple of injuries with senior players in key positions, but it is just how rugby works. You can never predict these things, and it allows younger players to show that they deserve to play at this level.”

Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

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