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Flank Heinrich to miss Super Rugby opener against Sharks

RESTED: Heinrich Brussow of the Cheetahs PHOTO: Robert Cianflone/ Getty Images
RESTED: Heinrich Brussow of the Cheetahs PHOTO: Robert Cianflone/ Getty Images

HEINRICH Brüssow will be rested for the Cheetahs' opening Super Rugby match against the Sharks in Durban next weekend.

The Bok flank, who has just returned from the Docomo Red Hurricanes in Japan, was expected to captain the side in the opener. But he will only make his return against the Blues on February 27.

Coach Naka Drotske said that a decision about who will captain the side in this season's tournament has not been made but that Brüssow was out of the reckoning for the opener.

"We will make that decision later in the week," said Drotske, whose team have a hit out against the Griffons today.

"Heinrich has been given two weeks off. He will only play for us when we play against the Blues. He played 12 matches in Japan and needs a break," said Drotske.

Brüssow did not play in the Hurricanes' match against the NEC Green Rockets last weekend due to concussion but Drotske stressed that it was not serious.

Johann Sadie, another player who augments his wages in Japan, will, however, play this afternoon against the Griffons.

Drotske who was hoping to field a near full strength team for this afternoon's match, will also be without the creative spark of another Springbok Willie le Roux who is out with an ankle injury.

"We still have two or three players who won't be available. Francois Uys will also be unavailable.

The match against the Griffons won't be a match per se, but a session in which we can run certain drills," explained Drotske.

The Cheetahs open their campaign against the Sharks next week but have a bye in the second before taking on the Blues in Bloemfontein.

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