Prop Charles Marais and lock Walt Steenkamp have been ruled out of the Cheetahs’ first two Currie Cup games of the season due to injury.

Marais suffered a knee injury and Steenkamp is nursing a crocked shoulder. Cheetahs forwards coach Corniel van Zyl confirmed the duo will miss the upcoming matches against the Blue Bulls and Western Province.  

‘Charles has started running, but is still being monitored. Hopefully, he’ll be fit in time for the start of our Pro14 campaign,’ he said. ‘Walt will miss the first two Currie Cup matches, but we want to give him the best possible chance to recover.’

Van Zyl says despite the injury setbacks, he is happy with the group of forwards at his disposal for the Currie Cup and Pro14.

‘It’s going to be a long season and it’s important that the forwards perform from the get-go, starting against the Bulls.’

Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images