Cheetahs full-back Clayton Blommetjies set for landmark 150th appearance in Currie Cup clash

Clayton Blommetjies will become only the latest Cheetahs stalwart to reach a major personal landmark when he runs out for his 150th match for the union on Friday night, with the Currie Cup encounter carrying far more than just sentimental value for the experienced full-back.

The 33-year-old is set to hit the milestone as the Cheetahs continue their Currie Cup campaign, targeting a second successive victory when they take on the Sharks. Having edged the Lions in a hard-fought opener, the Free State side are aiming to build early-season momentum – something Blommetjies insists remains the squad’s only focus.

“Our focus is to go out there, earn the five points, build momentum and continue preparing for the second leg of the Toyota Challenge and the EPCR Challenge Cup later this year,” he said, underlining that the occasion will not distract from the team’s objectives.

Milestone for Free State loyalist

Blommetjies made his senior debut for the Free State outfit in 2014 and has since become one of the union’s most durable and versatile backs. His 150 appearances for the Cheetahs span multiple competitions and eras, charting the side’s journey through domestic and international tournaments.

In total, his Cheetahs tally comprises 29 Super Rugby matches, 71 Currie Cup games, 25 PRO14 outings, five Super Rugby Unlocked fixtures, three Franchise Cup matches, 11 SA Cup games, three Toyota Challenge appearances and one EPCR Challenge Cup match. He has also featured in one international fixture against Georgia.

The union has confirmed that his 10 appearances for the Central Cheetahs franchise – a combined side made up of players from the Cheetahs, Griquas and Griffons – are not officially counted as Cheetahs caps and therefore fall outside the 150 total.

‘Free State is home’

Reflecting on his journey ahead of the landmark outing, Blommetjies spoke of a deep personal connection with the union and the style of rugby that has come to define his career.

“Free State is home. This is where everything started for me,” he said.

“I love the brand of rugby we play here – running rugby. It’s the type of rugby I grew up with in the Boland.

“It is a privilege and an honour to run onto the field for my 150th game for the Cheetahs. But this game is not about me.”

Blommetjies, who cut his teeth in the Boland before cementing himself in Bloemfontein, has long been associated with the Cheetahs’ expansive, ball-in-hand approach, which he credits for allowing him to play the game in the way that best suits his instincts.

Cheetahs eye perfect start

The Cheetahs opened their Currie Cup season with a gritty win over the Lions and now face a Sharks side expected to provide another stern examination of their title credentials. With back-to-back victories on offer, the clash takes on extra significance as the Free Staters look to position themselves strongly in the early stages of the competition.

Friday’s match kicks off at 17:00, with KickOff Rugby scheduled to provide live updates throughout the encounter and a full match report once the final whistle has blown.

Alongside the drive for Currie Cup points, the fixture forms part of the Cheetahs’ broader build-up to the second leg of the Toyota Challenge and their upcoming EPCR Challenge Cup commitments later in the year – campaigns in which Blommetjies’ experience and consistency are again expected to prove crucial as he moves beyond the 150-game mark for the union.