Last week the Free State thumped the Peacock Blues 40-7 in Kimberley during the first of two derbies.

This week the Cheetahs see several players in action in tomorrow’s Springbok Showdown in Cape Town, while there is a fairly long list of injuries as well.

The Cheetahs captain, Ruan Pienaar, told OFM Sport that it is still an important match, even though it is a warm-up game.

“It’s an opportunity for everyone to get a run, put their hands up, and make a statement.

“It’s going to be an important hit-out for us, and hopefully we can put a few good things in place and get ready for the next couple of months.

“I’m excited to get back out there and competing again, and everyone else is too.  

“Hopefully we can go well and get some confidence for the next couple of months.”

Friday mornings’ match at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 11:00, and not spectators are permitted.

Toyota Free State Cheetahs - 15 Adriaan Carelse, 14 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 13 William Small-Smith, 12 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 11 Craig Barry, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Ruan Pienaar (C ), 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Aidon Davis , 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Walt Steenkamp, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Erich de Jager, 2 Reinach Venter, 1 Charles Marais.

Replacements - 16 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Boan Venter, 19 JP du Preez, 20 Chris Massyn, 21 Marnus van der Merwe, 22 Tian Meyer, 23 Rewan Kruger, 24 George Cronje, 25 Howard Mnisi, 26 Reinhardt Fortuin, 27 Ruben de Haas, 28 Jacques du Toit.

Griquas – 15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Daniel Kasensde, 13 Eduan Keyter, 12 André Swarts, 11 James Verity-Amm, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Niell Jordaan, 7 Stefan Willemse, 6 Carl Els, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Ian Groenewald, 3 John-Roy Jenkinson, 2 Monde Hadebe, 1 Mox Mxoli.

Replacements - 16 CJ Conradie, 17 Bandia Ndlovu, 18 Madot Mabokela, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Mzwanele Zito, 21 Ewan Coetzee, 22 Johan Momsen, 23 Gideon van der Merwe, 24 CJ Velleman, 25 Chriswill September, 26 Ashon Davids, 27 Berton Klaasen, 28 Jonathan Francke, 29 Harlon Klaasen, 30 Bjorn Basson.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport