It is not exactly a desperate move by a desperate team but very close to it as Naka clearly has had a belly full of the pathetic play dished up by his players. The difference that Riaan Viljoen and Sarel Pretorius made to the backline when they took the field against the Brumbies last week was tangible and they will be the new half back combination which has to be seen as a positive move. Naas Olivier only has one half of a great rugby name and has done nothing to make a name for himself  in his short career and it is very doubtful that he will be seen at the top level for a while.

Meyer Bosman takes a seat for this match as he will join us in watching the new centre pairing of Barry Geel and Corne Uys. The only problem I see is that Danwel Demas, the slow non-tackling winger somehow has made it back into the starting lineup and you have to wonder if he really is the best the Cheetahs can find and I can’t see him doing anything other than continue his touch rugby tactics.

Whatever the result you can sympathize with Naka Droske who has a squad with no depth and with such an intense competition they are looking totally outclassed. And if you get a chance to listen to Naka’s Ipod you might just hear “Weird Al” Yankovic singing: “Well you know that I'll beat you If I ever meet you, I'll Control-Alt-Delete you…”

Prediction: It is really a case of too little, too late for a Cheetahs outfit that will clash with the Lions in their final game of the Super 14 to see who is the worst. The Crusaders will win this one but one can expect the scores to be fairly close. Crusaders with home advantage are a sure bet to win by 12 points.

Teams:

Cheetahs: Hennie Daniller, Danwel Demas, Corne Uys, Barry Geel, Jongi Nokwe, Riaan Viljoen, Sarel Pretorius, Davon Raubenheimer, Barend Pieterse, Hendro Scholtz, Waltie Vermeulen, Izak van der Westhuizen, WP Nel, Adriaan Strauss, Coenie Oosthuizen.

Replacements: Ryno Barnes, Wian du Preez, Nico Breedt, Phillip van der Walt, Tewis de Bruyn, Meyer Bosman, Robert Ebersohn.