The Welsh international hooker, Dee, and the Dragons loose-forward, Evans, both missed out on the team’s 19-19 draw against the Southern Kings on Sunday.

There is a bit of a concern over scrumhalf, Rhodri Williams, but they are confident that he will play.

While the Cheetahs and Dragons have only met once in the past, the coach Franco Smith is sure that the Welsh outfit will have plans in place to cope with the altitude.

“I am sure that they are a team which is very direct.

“Richard Hibbard, their captain is a guy who has played a lot of Tests for Wales. He would know how to manage the squad, as well as, the tempo and the pace of the game.

“I know that they will have a clear understanding of what we are all about.

“It is going to be quite interesting to see what play they will come up with to deal with us and the Highveld late in the competition.”

Meanwhile, it would appear that the scrumhalf, Tian Meyer, will be running out on the wing in the game in Bloemfontein. This comes after William Small-Smith was ruled out for six weeks after injuring his knee during the 31-14 defeat to Ospreys.

If this is the case, it will come as a major surprise as they do have the likes of Carel Jan Coetzee, Darren Adonis, and Tapiwe Mafura, or even an Ali Mgijima in their ranks who can play at outside-back, and will outstrip Meyer for pace on any given game.

Meyer has been training on the wing with the team this week, which is generally a good indication that he may indeed don the number 14 jersey.

Smith will be announcing his match-23 of Friday afternoon.

Saturday evening’s game at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 19:35.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport