Namibian prop to bring up century for Cheetahs in WP clash

Namibian prop Aranos Coetzee will play his 100th match for the Cheetahs when they tackle Western Province in a Currie Cup clash in Cape Town on Friday.

The 34-year-old, who has played 24 Tests for Namibia, becomes the first Namibian rugby player to achieve this milestone for a South African team.

He has been on the Cheetahs' books since 2016, having previously played for the Leopards and French clubs Racing Metro and Brive.

The Cheetahs, meanwhile, will be without the services of star flyhalf Siya Masuku, who has been ruled due to cold and flu symptoms. He is replaced by Reinhardt Fortuin in the No 10 jersey.

"Reinhardt trained very well in Siya's absence," Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie said. "He is a very good defender and a great attacking flyhalf.

"I don't think we will lose too much, especially on attack. It is a big loss not to have Siya in this game, but I am excited to see how Reinhardt goes."

The Cheetahs team shows several changes from the one which beat the Sharks 29-15 in Durban last month.

Regular fullback Clayton Blommetjies has been ruled out with a knee injury, which sees Cohen Jasper moving from left wing to fullback. Rosko Specman is fit again and comes in on the left wing.

Up front, Jeandre Rudolph will start at No 8 in a rotational move with Mihlali Mosi. Louis van der Westhuizen also starts at hooker ahead of Marnus van der Merwe and Alulutho Tshakweni is the loosehead prop in place of Schalk Ferreira.

The Cheetahs have won all six of their Currie Cup matches. They lie second in the standings (26 points), but have two games in hands on the log-leading Bulls (32 points).

WP, meanwhile, are are a lowly sixth with a solitary win from seven matches.

Friday's clash at Cape Town Stadium kicks off at 14:45.

WP

15 Tristan