Cheetahs waiting on Van Zyl

Editor

Cheetahs scrum-half Piet van Zyl could miss Saturday's clash against the Blues, after injuring his ankle at training.

Cheetahs scrum-half Piet van Zyl could miss Saturday's clash against the Blues, in Bloemfontein, after injuring his ankle during a training session.

According to the Volksblad website, Van Zyl will be given until after Friday's practice run to prove his fitness, thus joining prop Coenie Oosthuizen and full-back Hennie Daniller as doubtful starters for Saturday's crucial encounter at the Free State Stadium.

Oosthuizen got a knock on his knee during the Cheetahs' 28-3 loss to the Stormers in Cape Town last weekend after Daniller also sustained a knee injury in the captain's run last weekend before the start of that game.

Cheetahs back-line coach Hawies Fourie said Van Zyl would not have to undergo a scan, as it didn't look as though he tore ligaments.

“If he didn't tear ligaments, then he has a good chance to play,” explained Fourie.

They will bank on Van Zyl's fitness though, as back-up scrumhalf Tewis de Bruyn (hip) is also battling to overcome a hip injury, which would leave Sarel Pretorius as the only fit number nine.