Bloemfontein – The Free State Cheetahs are gearing up for a crucial Currie Cup clash against the Pumas this Friday, with coach Frans Steyn making significant changes to the squad following their opening-round defeat to Boland.
The Cheetahs, eager to secure their first victory of the campaign after a narrow 37-35 loss, will be looking to capitalize on home advantage at Toyota Stadium. Steyn's reshuffle aims to inject fresh energy and tactical adjustments into the team.
Key Changes in the Cheetahs Line-Up
Vernon Paulo takes over at hooker, providing a new dynamic in the front row. In the second row, Pierre Raymond Uys steps in to replace the injured Pieter Janse van Vuren. A notable addition is Sasko Ndlovu, who is set to make his Cheetahs debut at openside flanker.
The backline sees Smiley Nel starting at scrumhalf, with Rewan Kruger moving to the bench. Carel-Jan Coetzee replaces Ali Mgijima at inside centre, while James Verity-Amm will start at fullback, shifting Cohen Jasper to the left wing. The bench also sees fresh faces with the inclusion of Chucky van der Westhuizen, Hencus van Wyk, Aranos Coetzee, and Franco Smith.
Cameron Dawson's Milestone
A special moment for Cameron Dawson, who will be earning his 50th cap for the Cheetahs as loosehead prop.
Team Lineups
Cheetahs: 15 James Verity-Amm, 14 Banie Britz, 13 Marko Jansen van Vuren, 12 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 11 Cohen Jasper, 10 Tiaan Swanepoel, 9 Jandre Nel, 8 Neels Volschenk, 7 Gideon van der Merwe, 6 Sasko Ndlovu, 5 Victor Sekekete (c), 4 Pierre Raymond Uys, 3 Frankie dos Reis, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Cameron Dawson.
Bench: 16 Louis van der Westhuizen, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Aranos Coetzee, 19 Sisonke Vumazonke, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Franco Smith, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.
Pumas: 15 Tino Swanepoel, 14 Lundi Msenge, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Wian van Niekerk, 11 Darren Adonis, 10 Danrich Visagie, 9 Ross Braude, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (c), 7 Kwanda Dimaza, 6 Ntsika Fisanti, 5 Jeandre Leonard, 4 Heinz Bertram, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Etienne Janeke.
Bench: 16 Darnelle Osuagwu, 17 Stephan de Jager, 18 Dewald Maritz, 19 JJ Scheepers, 20 Andre Fouche, 21 Ruwald van der Merwe, 22 Russwill Fredericks, 23 Stefan Coetzee.
The stage is set for an exciting Currie Cup encounter as the Cheetahs look to bounce back against a determined Pumas side. Don't miss the action!