This sees Ali Mgijima being rotated to the bench for the game after having partnered Tertius Kruger in all the previous matches.

The Free State will want to extend their unbeaten run in the completion following comprehensive wins over the Griffons and Leopards, and hard fought win of the Griquas on Sunday.

Following his man of the match performance Ernst Stapelberg retains the number 10 jersey.

The only other change to the starting XV is on the wing with Sango Xamlashe donning the number 14 jumper.

On the bench, Dian Badenhorst, comes in for Ruben de Haas as cover for Rudy Paige at scrumhalf. De Haas will be reporting for the duty with the USA Eagles soon.

The match at the Toyota Stadium will be the first to be played on the new pitch that was laid down just a few weeks ago following the Toyota Cheetahs defeat to Munster in the Guinness Pro14.

Friday evening’s important match for both teams kicks off at 18:00.

Toyota Free State XV - 15 Darren Adonis, 14 Sango Xamlashe, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 Tertius Kruger, 11 Aya Oliphant, 10 Ernst Stapelberg, 9 Rudy Paige, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Gerhard Olivier, 6 Niell Jordaan (captain), 5 JP du Preez, 4 Sibabalo Qoma, 3 Gunter Janse van Vuuren, 2 Reinach Venter, 1 Quintin Vorster.

Replacement – 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Justin Basson, 19 Erich de Jager, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Dian Badenhorst, 22 Ali Mgijima.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport