Clayton Blommetjies has been called up to the Cheetahs squad at the 11th hour and is expected to start at flyhalf against the EP Elephants in Gqeberha on Saturday.
The Free Staters have made a shaky start to their SA Cup campaign and coach Frans Steyn is hoping the experienced Blommetjies can help steady the ship at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (kickoff 3pm).
Rated as early favourites to end among the top four teams in the SA Cup and clinch a berth in the Currie Cup Premier Division, the Free Staters are desperate for log points.
Two defeats in their opening three matches have left the Cheetahs in sixth spot on the 10-team log and out of the qualifying positions.
Blommetjies has rejoined the Cheetahs on a loan deal from the Stormers.
Steyn phoned Stormers coach John Dobson on Monday night to facilitate the deal to enable Blommetjies to link up with the Free Staters.
“For me it’s just about getting the opportunity to be back on the field,” Blommetjies said.
“I didn’t get much game time this year in Cape Town, so this is a great chance to showcase my talent this weekend against EP. I’m really looking forward to it.
“The move was easy because my wife is up here, while my eldest little one is down in Cape Town.
“But for me, it wasn’t a tough decision at all.
“It’s closer to her family, closer to her home, so it was a no-brainer to return to Bloemfontein and rejoin the Cheetahs.
“I told some of the guys, it’s just a new name and everything else still feels the same.
“It was quite easy to slot back in because a lot of the guys I played with before are still here.
“It’s been seamless fitting in wherever the coaches need me.
“My focus is on continuing to learn, adapting, and taking things as they come.”
Steyn said: “I spoke to Stormers coach John Dobson on Monday about Clayton.
“He and I will probably have another chat next week. As we go along, we will sort things out.”
Steyn has not been able to name his team to travel to Gqeberha because of injuries.
“Sisonke Vumazonke rolled his ankle in training, and someone stepped on Daniel Maartens’ foot on Monday,” Steyn said.
The Herald
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