Lee has been one of the team’s stalwarts this season and is also one of the leading defenders in the competition.

On Monday the coach, Franco Smith, indicated that he will be opting for continuity for this week’s game and it is expected that Lee will once again partner Benhard Janse van Rensburg in the midfield.

He also hinted that will he will be opting for continuity, there may be a change or two which will be performance based.

Lee has been in the Cheetahs set-up for quite some time after being a part of Smith’s University of the Free State Shimlas side which won the Varsity Cup in 2015.

The exciting player could have reached the milestone slightly earlier in his career had it not been for a few injuries.

Lee told OFM Sport that he is excited to finally reach the milestone, and being against a South African team in a derby game makes a little more special.

“I’m excited to be playing in my 50th game for the Cheetahs. I’ve been here for quite some time now, and I am very excited looking ahead towards the weekend.

“More so because it will be a South African team which we will be playing against.

“Injuries are always a setback and even a downfall for rugby players and it a part of the game and happens.

“Eventually I will be getting my 50th cap and I am really grateful for that.

“Benhard (Janse van Rensburg) and I play well together and we understand each other, so it will be nice having him next to me again.”

Smith will be naming his side for the clash on Thursday afternoon.

Friday evening’s derby at the NMU Madibaz Stadium in Port Elizabeth kicks off at 19:00.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport