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Cheetahs coach Smith impressed by Craven Week talent

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Toyota Cheetahs Coach Franco Smith is impressed by the talent he has seen at the U-18 SA Rugby Craven and Academy Week hosted at Grey College in Bloemfontein.

The former Springboks coach says South African Rugby Union (Saru) needs to keep the young players interested and playing regularly and craven week offers that.

The youth tournament is on its fourth day on Thursday and in one of the big matches, the EP Elephants outplayed the Griquas 43-12.

Craven week has produced Springbok players such as Adriaan Strauss, Frans Steyn and Ruan Pienaar.

Smith says he has seen a lot of attack in games at the Craven Week games which is needed in professional rugby.

Smith will only lead the Cheetahs during the Currie Cup campaign and from there will take on the position of Director of Rugby at the Free State team.

His replacement, former Maties coach Hawies Fourie, will take over from September when the side competes in the Gunnies Pro 14. Smith says Fourie is the right man for the job.

Report by Tshenolo Meruti

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