It’s a must-win encounter for both sides, and there’s no doubt they’ll come out on fire as they chase five valuable log points in this important round of the competition. The Cheetahs have been forced to make a number of injury-related changes, while also taking the opportunity to give some players some much-needed playing time.
The most notable shift is flanker Neels Volschenk taking over the captaincy, while also joining the side of the scrum.
In the back line, De-an Ackermann again takes the lead outside the middle, while the powerful Jooste Nel comes in inside the middle. Rewan Kruger earns his first start of the season at scrum half and will partner Jaco van der Walt as the halfback pairing.
Up front, Mihali Mosi starts as 8th man, while power wire failure specialist Daniel Maartens returns from concussion to take his place on the wing. Former Griffon Curtley Thomas stands in the second row next to Carl Wegner.
In the front row, Marko Janse van Rensburg starts as hooker in the absence of Chucky van der Westhuizen, who is unavailable due to family commitments, while Juan Smal provides cover from the bench.
Rewan Kruger. Photo: Morgan Piek
Former Griffons center Carel-Jan Coetzee has been included among the replacements, as the Cheetahs opt for a six-two split on the bench.
Janse van Rensburg said OFM Sports This is a crucial game for them as they look to build momentum and set the tone for the rest of their campaign.
“This is the first of four away games for us and it is very important to start well,” said Janse van Rensburg.
“We want to build momentum, create continuity in the team and really get things going. There is certainly pressure on us to be fifth on the table, especially as we work towards the semi-final at home, so this is a big game to get things going.”
“We had a small setback earlier in the campaign: we played Boland first and then Pumas’ play faded, which hurt us in terms of log points and position.
Carel-Jan Coetzee. Photo: Morgan Piek
“That’s why this block of four away games is so important for us. We’re aiming for 20 points. A trip to SWD is always tough, especially against a team with a new coaching setup, but our focus is on getting off to a strong start, building momentum and staying disciplined.”
Neels Volschenk. Photo: Morgan Piek
Janse van Rensburg, one of the more seasoned campaigners in the squad, added that he has full confidence in the 23-year-old Volschenk leading the side in this crucial match. “Neels is a young player, but he is a natural leader,” he said.
“He is one of the hardest working guys in the squad and knows only one way: full effort. He may be quiet, but when he speaks, people listen. More importantly, he leads by his actions.”
Saturday’s big Free State derby at the DTI Stadium starts at 3 p.m.
Griffins – 15 Dehovine Johannes, 14 Chardrack Tshimanga, 13 Ngia Selengbe, 12 Jandré de Beer, 11 Chris Hollis, 10 Duan Pretorius (captain), 9 Keegan Schaefer, 8 Calla Pienaar, 7 JAred Kruger, 6 Mingo Piti, 5 Sergio Moreira, 4 Rian Olivier, 3 Hlumza Nondonga, 2 Simon Westraadt, 1 Xolani Jacobs
Replacements – 16 Chyle van Zyl, 17 Justion Forwood, 18 Cassie Botes, 19 Jack Steyn, 20 Wikus Nieuwenhuis, 21 Armand Maritz, 22 Daylon Myners, 23 Clive Kruger
Cheetahs – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 De-an Ackerman, 12 Jooste Nel, 11 Michael Annies, 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Mihlali Mosi, 7 Neels Volschenk (captain), 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Curtly Thomas, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Tielman Nieuwoudt
Replacements – 16 Juan Smal, 17 Frankie Dos Reis, 18 John Kelly Okonkwo, 19 Victor Sekekete, 20 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 21 Sisonke Vumazonke, 22 Marco Janse van Vuren, 23 Carel-Jan Coetzee
OFM
www.ofm.co.za
