Vodacom Cheetahs

2006 Preview

This is one of two new kids on the block. And with all things new there is lots of anticipation and excitement surrounding the franchise.

But there is merit to their excitement as well. They are South Africa's Currie Cup champions and showed they do have some championship qualities.

For years they have complained that their marriage with the Lions (in the Cats franchise) was doomed and that they deserved to be on their own. They now have that opportunity to prove their worth, but like all other South African franchises, they have the relegation sword hanging over their head.

Bloemfontein's rugby fans also need to dispel the notion that they can't fill a stadium.

Strengths: They have a really powerful pack of forwards, a great mix between experience (Os du Randt, Trevor Leota, Ollie le Roux) and youth (Jannie du Plessis, Tiaan Liebenberg, Wian du Preez) - that's just in the pack. There's some real pace out wide, but their defence appears to forte - as they proved during last year's Currie Cup. But it remains to be seen whether they can translate these positives to a new arena.

Weakness: On the face of it, it appears the Cheetahs have no weaknesses save a lack of together-time. However, in the Currie Cup last year they tended to fall off the pace on occasion - call it inconsistency if you will. They also have a number of backline players who are new to the Super 14/Super 12.

Noteworthy signings: Gaffie du Toit (Stormers), Ronnie Cooke (Leopards), Keith Louwen (Chiefs), Heinrich Stride (Eagles), Wayne van Heerden (Elephants), Trevor Leota (Wasps). ***As a new franchise these signings are based on their Currie Cup team list of 2005***

Noteworthy losses: Naka Drotske (retired), Lukhanyo Nontshinga (Bulls). ***As a new franchise these signings are based on their Currie Cup team list of 2005***

Coach: Rassie Erasmus achieved the unthinkable, winning the Currie Cup in his first full year as a coach - that after he failed to do so as a player. But even he will acknowledge that the Super 14 is a huge step up from the Currie Cup.

Captain: Juan Smith is one of most highly rated loose forwards in South Africa, if not the world. He has made steady progress over the last few years as a player. Now he must show the same maturity as a team leader.

Player(s) to watch: Top of the list has to be Jake White's Springbok bolter, Meyer Bosman. But midfielders Ronnie Cooke (a South African Under-21 star) and Keith Louwen (a one-time All Black imported from the Chiefs) could hold the key to the team's success.

2005 Position: Newcomers
Best finish: Newcomers
Worst finish: Newcomers
Home Venue: Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein

2006 Prediction: They will be one of the better South African teams and depending on how they do on the road, could even be a play-off prospect.

Vodacom Cheetahs squad: Bevan Fortuin, Gaffie du Toit, Eddie Fredericks, Gavin Passens, Alwyn Hollenbach, Ronnie Cooke, Keith Louwen, Barry Goodes, Vuyani Dlomo, Sinethemba Zweni, Willem de Waal, Meyer Bosman, Michael Claassens, Noel Oelschig, Ryno van der Merwe, Frans Viljoen, Juan Smith, Heinrich Stride, Gareth Krause, Kabamba Floors, Giscard Pieterse, Wayne van Heerden, Corniel van Zyl, CJ van der Linde, Jannie du Plessis, Tiaan Liebenberg, Trevor Leota, Ollie le Roux, Os du Randt, Wian du Preez.

Schedule:

Friday 10 February: v Bulls, Bloemfontein
Saturday 18 February: v Sharks, Durban
Saturday 25 February: v Highlanders, Bloemfontein
Saturday 4 March: v Hurricanes, Bloemfontein
Saturday 18 March: v Stormers, Cape Town
Friday 24 March: v Reds, Bloemfontein
Friday 31 March: v Waratahs, Sydney
Saturday 8 April: v Brumbies, Canberra
Saturday 15 April: v Crusaders, Christchurch
Friday 21 April: v Chiefs, Hamilton
Saturday 29 April: v Blues, Bloemfontein
Saturday 6 May: v Western Force, Kimberley
Saturday 13 May: v Cats, Kimberley