Boland cavaliers laments absence of springbok flyhalf for Cheetahs clash
The Boland Cavaliers have been dealt a major blow ahead of their return to the Currie Cup Premier Division.
Springbok scrumhalf Louis Schreuder was ruled out of Sunday’s clash against the Cheetahs in Wellington after suffering an ankle injury during training. Chriswill September wears the No 9 jersey, while Godlen Masimla joins the bench.
Coach Hawies Fourie has named a new-look backline featuring three debutants: Blitzboks duo Donovan Don and David Brits on the wing and at outside centre respectively, and Marcqiewn Titus on the right wing.
Captain Marlyn Williams returns in the second row after injury and is joined by Michael Benadie, with Thurlow Marsh on the bench.
Laurence Victor, Juan Mostert and Ameer Hendricks are also in line for debuts off the bench.
BOLAND CAVALIERS – 15 James Tedder, 14 Marcqiewn Titus, 13 David Brits, 12 Lunathi Nxele, 11 Donavan Don, 10 Ashlon Davids, 9 Chriswill September, 8 Sibusiso Sangweni, 7 Khwezi Mafu, 6 Gift Dlamini, 5 Marlyn Williams (c), 4 Michael Benadie, 3 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 2 Sidney Tobias, 1 Wayrin Losper
Bench: 16 HP van Schoor, 17 Lamla Nunu, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Ameer Hendricks, 20 Thurlow Marsh, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Juan Mostert, 23 Xavier Mitchell.
Facing a Cheetahs side that has been ruthless in attack and clinical in execution, Boland were banking on the experience, vision, and game management of their Bok star to help guide them through what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter. However, national commitments and injury concerns have ruled the flyhalf out of contention, leaving a significant void in Boland’s matchday squad.
“It’s a massive blow for us,” Du Plessis admitted. “He brings calmness under pressure, pin-point kicking accuracy, and leadership on the field. Against a side like the Cheetahs, you need all your generals available. Unfortunately, we’ll have to go to battle without ours.”
The absence now puts added responsibility on the shoulders of the back-up flyhalf, a talented youngster who has shown glimpses of brilliance but lacks the international experience of the Springbok veteran. While Boland still boasts depth across the backline, many supporters fear that without their main conductor, their attacking rhythm may suffer.
