Cheetahs v Highlanders – what will happen?

The Cheetahs will take on the Highlanders at Rugby Park Stadium in Invercargill on Saturday, 9 March 2013, and they will have their hands full with the Highlanders fielding a strong team.

On the Cheetahs side, the team remains largely unchanged from the side that went down 45-3 to the Chiefs in Hamilton a week ago.

The only change is that of Heinrich Brussow, who replaces Boom Prinsloo on the bench.

The Highlanders will be pleased to have All Black Andrew Hore returning to the front-row ranks, while Brad Thorn will make his debut for his new team.

Jake Paringatai will also make his debut, starting at number 8 for the clash.

Colin Slade returns from injury and takes his place on the bench.

The usual Highlanders suspects, such as Aaron Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Ben Smith and Hosea Gear will all cause trouble for the Cheetah’s defence if play moves out wide.

Rugby Informer’s take: the Cheetahs will be hurting from the colossal loss last weekend, and will be looking to find a rhythm this week. Despite this, the Highlanders look too strong to be shut out at home and will look at this game to score some tries. Highlanders by 15.

Cheetahs team:

15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Willie le Roux, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Pieter Labuschagne, 6 Frans Viljoen, 5 Francois Uys, 4 Lodewyk de Jager, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Trevor Nyakane.
Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Rynhard Landman, 19 Heinrich Brüssow, 20 Piet van Zyl, 21 Riaan Smith, 22 Ryno Benjamin.

Highlanders team:

1. Tony Woodcock 2. Andrew Hore (Captain) 3. Ma’afu Fia 4. Brad Thorn 5. Josh Bekhuis 6. Joe Wheeler 7. John Hardie 8. Jake Paringatai 9. Aaron Smith 10. Lima Sopoaga 11. Hosea Gear (Vice-captain) 12. Ma’a Nonu 13. Phil Burleigh 14. Kade Poki 15. Ben Smith
Reserves16. Brayden Mitchell 17. Chris King 18. Jarrad Hoeata 19. Tim Boys 20. Fumiaki Tanaka 21. Colin Slade 22. Shaun Treeby