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Pro12 in 'advanced and positive discussions' over Cheetahs and Kings inclusion

Cheetahs’ Clinton Swart during their Super Rugby finale with Southern Kings

Pro12 bosses are in “advanced and positive discussions” with South African Rugby Union over the possibility of adding the Cheetahs and Southern Kings to the league following their removal from Super Rugby.

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The Cheetahs and Kings were the two South African franchises chopped as part of a restructure, which will also see one Australian side – either Melbourne Rebels or Western Force – axed from the competition.

The addition of the two clubs to Pro12 has been widely anticipated and Celtic Rugby confirmed a decision on their inclusion is on the horizon.

“Celtic Rugby can confirm that advanced and positive discussions are taking place with the South African Rugby Union regarding the introduction of two teams into an expanded Guinness PRO12 Championship,” a statement on the Pro12 website read.

“Given the proximity of the 2017-18 season start, a final decision on this potential expansion will be confirmed as soon as practical.”

Southern Kings finished fifth in Super Rugby’s South African Group, while the Cheetahs ended second bottom. The two contested their final Super Rugby encounter last week, with the Cheetahs staging a fightback to claim a 21-20 win.

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Nickers 19 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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