News
De Villiers gets his wish
September 23 2008
Cheetahs skipper and star flanker Juan Smith is unavailable for Free State's crucial Currie Cup match-up with the Falcons due to a neck injury.
Much was made about Smith's involvement in this Friday's fixture, as Springbok coach Peter de Villiers requested on Monday that the South African flanker be rested.
Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske said he would not rest Smith unless Western Province gave their own stars a break, an interesting statement given Allister Coetzee's assurance his Springoks would soldier on.
It seems injury has had the final say, as the knock obtained in the Cheetahs' recent defeat to the Blue Bulls has ruled Smith out.
The Free State skipper is currently in a neck brace and will be replaced by Hendro Scholtz at blindside flank for the clash in Brakpan.