Goosen wants to reclaim spot

Editor

Bok pivot Johan Goosen has a chance to cement his spot in the Cheetahs starting XV in Saturday's clash with the Pumas in Bloemfontein.

Springbok fly-half Johan Goosen will get a chance to cement his place in the Cheetahs starting XV when they host the Pumas in a friendly in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Goosen had some game time on the Cheetahs' tour of the Eastern Cape last week, taking part in the second half of the visitors' friendly against the Southern Kings.

The 21-year-old, who has only just returned from injury and receives a starting berth ahead of Elgar Watts, will be hoping to reclaim the number 10 jersey.

“There is some very good competition between Johan Goosen and Elgar Watts,” Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske said.

“The latter has done very well in the warm-up game and is definitely in the running.

“Goosen did well when he came on against the Kings. His goal-kicking was on par and he got good distance with his clearing kicks.”

The Cheetahs left it late against the Kings and struggled in the first half before pulling through in the second.

Drotske said his team lost plenty of possession due to unforced errors as well as handling errors, two elements the team would like to rectify against the Pumas.

“There were just way too many balls going to ground,” he added.

“We need to keep the ball in hand. We are looking for our attacking play to be at least 70 to 80 percent better when we take on the Pumas.”