Cheetah spots still up for grabs

Apart from facing a very tough tour, Naka’s still has not settled on some first choice candidates for their team.

Ebrahim Moerat – Rugby365

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské says there are still a number of first choice positions in his squad that players are yet to claim ahead of the Super 14 next year.

The Cheetahs will end their 2008 preparations next week after which the players will enjoy a well-deserved break. However, Drotske told rugby365 that he is still unclear about who his best players in certain positions are.

The coach was unwilling to single out the particular positions but he has encouraged his chargers to come back in the new year and fight for starting positions.

“There are a few places that are up for grabs and players will need to put their hands up in the new year,” Drotské told rugby365.com on Thursday.

“I am confident that we are well covered in all the positions but it’s now up to the players to stake a claim to be the first choice in the respective positions.

“The preparation has been going very well, the guys are in a good condition and there’s no real injury concerns.”

“The new players have all slotted in nicely and I’m happy with the talent we’ve added to the squad,” Drotské said.

The Cheetahs looks set to mimic the defensive system used by the Crusaders under coach Robbie Deans. The same defensive effort was on display last week when Deans’ Wallabies allowed the Barbarians very little breakthrough opportunities in the Centenary clash.

Drotské has been experimenting with the defensive system during the squad’s pre-season training and he is confident that the strategy suits the Cheetahs.

“We lose concentration, some players shoot up and some guys hang back while others shoot up,” he explained.

“We were beaten a lot out wide [during the 2008 Super 14] and we committed too many players to the breakdown but we’re working hard to rectify those mistakes.

“We must shoot up a bit quicker, not rush defence, but we want to get off the mark a bit quicker.”

Drotské also highlighted the fact that the exact laws for next year’s Super 14 have not been finalised after attending a three-day conference in Sydney last week to discuss certain matters, including the laws.

“We are still waiting for a final blue print,” Drotské said

“At this stage we are going to play according to the rules used in the Currie Cup, with the exception of the rules at the breakdown.

“These rules will be the same as those used in the previous Super 14 tournament. So the only time penalties will be awarded at the breakdown, will be when you approach from the wrong side, or for unlawful play.

“As far as the rest is concerned, free kicks will again be given, like when not rolling away or holding on to the ball.”

By Ebrahim Moerat