The Cheetahs have suffered a significant injury blow, with Zander du Plessis sidelined by an Achilles tendonitis, paving the way for Nel to move into midfield.
While Du Plessis’ injury is certainly a major blow for the Cheetahs, it is a huge opportunity for Nel as it could lead to an extended streak. Since joining the Cheetahs from the Shimlas, he has never played in back-to-back games.
Nel has already shown his quality this season. Before the SA Cup, he impressed in the warm-up match against the Griffons in Bloemfontein, and in the second round he played a key role in the Cheetahs’ emphatic 64–7 victory over the Leopards at Olën Park in Potchefstroom.
That performance earned him selection for the clash against the Pumas, but the management opted for experience against the defending champions. To his credit, Du Plessis put in a solid performance earlier in the campaign, scoring a try in the 34-24 home defeat to the Boland Cavaliers.
However, Nel brings a different edge. Built more like a hooker than a traditional center, he offers serious punch in midfield. With Jandré de Beer likely to feature at flyhalf or center for the Griffons, Nel could prove to be the ideal number 12 for what promises to be a nail-biting encounter.
Joost Nel. Photo: Morgan Piek
There is also uncertainty surrounding veteran Griffons flyhalf Duan Pretorius, who is racing against time to recover from a concussion suffered against Boland. If the seasoned campaigner is found fit, it will only add to the physical intensity of the match. Pretorius is widely regarded as one of the toughest competitors in South African rugby.
Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn, a former World Cup winning indoor centre, believes Nel has all the tools to make a big impact.
“I wasn’t involved when he was signed, so I didn’t know much about him initially,” Steyn said.
Duan Pretorius. Photo: Morgan Piek
“But Jooste has all the qualifications to become a top center for the Free State. For us it’s about helping him get back to that level of confidence and self-belief.
“The only way to do that is to give him game time. Luckily he’s trained and played well and it looks like he’s in a good space. Hopefully that stays that way at the weekend. If he gets some ball and a few possessions, he’ll be a handful.”
“He’s small, stocky and very difficult to stop. I definitely wouldn’t want to be the one tackling him.”
Steyn added that a trip to the Goldfields is never easy, and he expects a fierce battle up front and in midfield – especially if Pretorius is in action.
Jandre de Beer. Photo: Morgan Piek
“Going to the Griffons is never easy. Their ‘Carl Wagner’ (Pretorius) at flyhalf scores huge goals, and they are a tough team at home,” Steyn added.
“I’ve played there before and we’ve struggled. But if we stick to our structures and everyone plays their part, we’ve set our own standards to live up to.”
“The pressure is on us. We have to perform and we have to win well in the next four games to build momentum for what lies ahead.”
Saturday’s Free State derby at the DTI Stadium starts at 3 p.m.
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