Goosen back to boost Cheetahs

The Cheetahs were boosted with news that Johan Goosen will start at flyhalf against the Sharks in their Super 15 opening clash in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Goosen suffered a serious knee injury playing for the Springboks against the All Blacks in Soweto last October, and his absence saw the Cheetahs slump to last place in the six-team Currie Cup.

The prodigious 20-year-old scored 145 points in last season's Super 15 and was the main reason coach Naka Drotske's side enjoyed one of their best campaigns since splitting from the Cats.

His return is vital to any success they might enjoy.

In 2012, the Cheetahs finished 10th overall, secured a record five wins, including a victory in New Zealand for the first time when they beat the Hurricanes, and collected 11 points on their Australasian tour, which included a second victory over the Rebels.

Drotske was always certain that Goosen would return for the opening game, but until he cleared the final hurdle in training yesterday, the coach was holding his breath.

Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen was also a welcome addition to the squad for the match, although he will start on the bench after months of back problems.

"We've got options at prop, but a guy like Coenie is crucial to us for the campaign," Drotske said.

Flank Heinrich Brüssow wasn't included in the squad, but he should join the team on their flight to Australasia on Sunday evening, according to Drotske.

The Cheetahs pack has an inexperienced look to it at this level. Hooker Adriaan Strauss will captain a side that includes youngsters such as prop Trevor Nyakane, lock Lodewyk de Jager and flank Lappies Labuschagne.

But behind the scrum there appears to be real potency.

Scrumhalf Piet van Zyl is a bright prospect, and in tandem with Goosen they could test the Sharks, while the centre pairing of Robert Ebersohn and Johann Sadie has promise.

Left wing Raymond Rhule, who toured with the Boks at the end of 2012, has searing pace and a nose for the tryline, while right wing Willie le Roux has some of the best feet in the game.

"We moved Robert Ebersohn to inside centre and with Sadie at 13 we feel we have the right balance," Drotske said.

"We feel that with those centres plus Rhule and Le Roux we have some real X-factor in the backline.

"Sadie has enjoyed the move to Bloemfontein. Hopefully it shows in his play."

Sharks coach John Plumtree has included loan signing Franco van der Merwe in his strongest available starting XV for their game against the Cheetahs.

The Lions lock is spending the season in Durban due to his team's relegation from the competition and will start in the No5 jersey to partner Anton Bresler in the second row. - Sapa