Cheetahs 'shifting mental boundaries'

The Cheetahs, who have been disappointing since their maiden Super Rugby play-off appearance in 2013 (with 14th- and 12th-place finishes the last two seasons), have lost a host of their most senior players.

Those not available this season include Springboks Coenie Oosthuizen (moved to the Sharks), Heinrich Brüssow (back to Japan), Cornal Hendricks (to Stormers) and Willie le Roux (to Sharks).

Now throw in established players like Jean Cook (to Zebre), Sarel Pretorius (to Newport Gwent Dragons), Francois Brummer (to the Bulls), Willie du Plessis (to Toulon), Joe Pietersen (to Sharks) and Johann Sadie (to Agen) and it is obvious experience is somewhat in short supply in Bloemfontein.

However, the 24-year-old Venter - with 30-odd Super Rugby caps for the Bulls and Cheetahs to his credit - is confident the men from Bloemfontein can be competitive - despite the youthful appearance of the squad.

He said the key for the Cheetahs would be to "shift the mental boundaries" and believe in their own ability.

"Since the start of the Currie Cup competition [last year] we worked with a very large squad," Venter told rugby365.

"For the first time in many years the Cheetahs will have the same squad in consecutive competitions.

"We are working with a squad off 50-odd players and they will all be needed - be that for Super Rugby or for the Currie Cup competition that runs concurrently with Super Rugby."

The Cheetahs captain said he is happy with the depth in the squad.

"Yes, there are some guys who will be thrown in at the deep end, but we have been working hard, we are a large group and we have to ensure that if there is an injury the next guy can step in and ensure the team does not deteriorate.

"The guys will also see it as an opportunity.

"Maybe the team doesn't have [many] big names, but there is talent and enthusiasm to play."

He also has a powerful message to the youngsters in the squad.

"In my first game I was such a bundle of nerves felt like five minutes," he told rugby365, adding: "My message to the will be to believe in their ability.

"You have worked hard, you know you can play rugby and you would not have been at this level if you are not good enough.

"Also, you must never forget why you play the game. If you play to please others you have lost the plot - it is the game you grew up with a cherish and if you can handle the pressure you will be okay.

"We are already working on that aspect and shifting the players' mental boundaries and make them headstrong."

He also said that his leadership style is one of putting the team first.

"It is not about me - the best leaders put team before I." he said.

"The key to success for us to get all the players to believe in their ability.

"I was appoint for a reason, to be the person I have always been and I will lead by example.

"I also have some very good players supporting me, who have captained the team before."

By Jan de Koning

@rugby365com