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Blommetjies returns to SA after being branded unfit in nightmare season in Europe
By Online Editors
Fullback Clayton Blommetjies will be playing Currie Cup rugby for the Free State Cheetahs.
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Netwerk24 revealed that the Cheetahs have brought in Blommetjies after Malcolm Jaer was ruled of the entire Currie Cup with a groin injury.
The 28-year-old Blommetjies was released by Scarlets after being with the Welsh side for one season after joining from the Cheetahs.
He failed to make an impact with the Scarlets and played in just six matches before being loaned out to English side Leicester Tigers.
Former Scarlets boss Wayne Pivac was not happy with Blommetjies’ fitness levels.
“We do things a bit differently from the Cheetahs and expectation on the players is to be in a certain shape and Clayton has a bit of work to do in that area,” Pivac said at the start of last season.
The Free State Cheetahs open their tournament with a challenging fixture against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, July 19.
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Blommetjies came through the ranks at the Bulls, playing all his junior rugby there, and later at the age of 20, made his senior debut in the Currie Cup. He has become an integral part of the Cheetahs side with many of their successes attributed to his play.
He made 39 appearances for the Cheetahs in the Super Rugby competition scoring six tries and has represented South Africa at four levels; SA Schools Academy, SA Students, SA Under 20s and SA Sevens.
Paarl born Blommetjies made an impact in his debut Guinness PRO14 season scoring four tries, making five try assists and features in the top five for metres gained.
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However he has failed to impress during his stint in European rugby.
– Rugby365
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Wright’s defence is letting him down. Even today he missed tackles that an international fullback just shouldn’t be missing. He can be flat footed and stood up in defence and really needs to sort that. Petaia is a much better defender and hits in defence as well. Jordie may not have the voice but before he got injured he was by far the best Reds back. I thought Wright would cement his place at FB this season but his defence I think has lost him the position.
Go to commentsIn Ireland their best team rested their best players for the club semi final. Nobody moaned because they can see the bigger picture. We rest players for a couple of regular season games and the sky's falling down. We need to get real. Playing too many weeks in a row is what leads to injuries for the Super finals and the World Cup. If a kiwi team isn't good enough to make the top 8 they need to look in the mirror, not look for excuses.
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