Regular skipper, Francois Uys, has been moved to the bench for the match paving the way for Reniel Hugo to make his run-on debut for the side and Mohoje taking over the leadership duties.

Springbok winger and Blitzbok stalwart, Cornal Hendricks, will also be making his Currie Cup debut for the team with Raymond Rhule being given a breather.

The only other change to the starting XV sees former BabyBok, Jacques du Toit, slot back in at hooker.

Mohoje told OFM Sport that he is delighted to get the opportunity to lead the side.

“It is quite an experience for me, the coach backs me so I’m glad about that and hopefully in future I can grow into the position.

“There’s obviously quite a bit to learn. I was captain at the Shimlas, but there is a difference.

“But hopefully I can learn as much as possible so in future I can maybe captain a few more games with the coach.

Franco Smith said he felt that Uys needs to be rested, but is more than confident with Hugo’s ability and pedigree to fill the number five role.

“That’s another reason I have Francois (Uys) on the bench this week. I think he is a little over played and shows signs of fatigue. He played almost all the games in the Super Rugby and was under pressure.

“I’m happy to have a guy like Reniel. Although he is young and lacks experience, he is very mature at lineout time.

“I’m excited to give him a chance. Everytime he came off the bench he proved he’s a valuable asset and I think that he merits a chance to start as well.

Hugo is of course the son of former Springbok lock and Western Province stalwart, Niel Hugo.

Henco Venter drops to the bench to make way for Mohoje, who gets his first start of the campaign, while Teunis Nieuwoudt comes in the match-22 as cover at prop.

Friday evening’s match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth kicks off at 19:10.

Free State Cheetahs – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Francois Venter (VC), 12 Rayno Benjamin, 11 Cornal Hendricks, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Niell Jordaan, 7 Oupa Mohoje (Captain),  6 Gerhard Olivier, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Armandt Koster, 3 Luan de Bruin, 2 Jacques du Toit, 1 BG Uys.

Replacements –16 Elandré Huggett, 17 Teunis Nieuwoudt, 18 Francois Uys, 19 Henco Venter, 20 Freddy Ngoza, 21 Ruan van Rensburg, 22 Sias Ebersohn.

Morgan Piek / OFM News