Keo

Cheetahs sweat on Goosen

10 Apr 2012

Cheetahs flyhalf Johan Goosen will undergo a late fitness test on Friday to determine his availability for the team’s clash against the Chiefs.

Goosen, who is the tournament’s current top scorer with 111 points, left the field early in the second half during the Cheetahs’ 26-5 win over the Lions last weekend because of a shoulder injury. The injury came after Elton Jantjies’ high tackle on the 19-year-old, which resulted in an off-field yellow card for the Lions pivot.

Head coach Naka Drotske confirmed that Goosen will be carefully monitored during the week and a decision on his selection will be made on Friday. The Cheetahs face the Chiefs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

‘Johan suffered some damage to his AC joint in his shoulder. There’s some bruising in that area,’ Drotske told keo.co.za. ‘We will see how the injury heals this week and we will pick him if he is match fit.

‘If not, we have a dependable back-up in Sias Ebersohn. Sias had an outstanding Super Rugby campaign in 2011, so we know what he’s capable of.’

Interesting argument, would you rather let him rest and heal well, or would you play him if he is ready? As Sias Ebersohn is a very good replacement and did well last season, he might also be charging at the bit to get his spot back, so might have a brilliant game.

This lad is important to our rugby future....a rest at this stage of the S15 isn't the worst thing in the world.

Its about time he had a rest in any case. Sias is  a good player, will enjoy a start and certainly will not let the side down.

Cheethas you go and beat the chiefies.    

Yeah I would agree as playing him at this stage of his career with an injury might have long term effects, I said might not necceserily.

Seems Naka  agrees as well, just saw he has decided to play Eberson regardless. He will decide later in the week if Goosen is fit enough for the bench or not.