This comes after the captain, Ruan Pienaar, sustained an MCL injury during Saturday’s 19-17 win over the Bulls.

De Haas has represented the Free State XV in the past, but mainly during the SuperSport Rugby Challenge.

In 2019, he made his Rugby World Cup debut for the USA Eagles on his 21st birthday in Japan.

Tian Meyer is set to start in the number nine jersey, while De Haas will play off the bench.

Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, confirmed that De Haas will finally get his chance at this level.

“Tian hasn’t been in the starting team for quite some time, and then Ruben is also a very talented scrumhalf and he will be getting his chance during this competition to play at this level.

“We will keep Ruan involved with the team. We will be making use of his input and leadership.

“Even though he can’t play he will still be involved in our meeting etc.”

Apart from the change at scrumhalf, it is unlikely Fourie will tinker with the team too much.

Saturday’s game between the Lions and the Cheetahs on the Highveld kicks off at 16:30.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport