The only change to the starting XV is an injury-enforced one at scrumhalf where Tian Meyer comes in at the expense of Ruan Pienaar.

Pienaar sustained a knee injury during the 19-17 win over the Bulls last week. This sees Meyer promoted from the bench, while the American international, Ruben de Haas, is named among the replacements for his debut.

Fourie told OFM Sport that he has a lot of confidence in the ability of De Haas.

“We have no doubt that Ruben is good enough to play at the level, and as you said he played in the World Cup last year.

“He was nominated as the best scrumhalf from the tier two nations at the World Cup. That just shows his class and quality.

“We have confidence in Ruben. He has been training with us for more than a year now and I believe that he is looking forward to taking this opportunity.”

Meanwhile, it is believed that the Lions have up to nine players that cannot come into consideration for the clash, due to positive Covid-19 cases, while and others have been in contact with infected persons.

After two round the Cheetahs lead the standing following two wins, while the Lions are yet to record a victory.

Saturday’s battle of the big cats at Ellis Park kicks off at 16:30.

Toyota Cheetahs - 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Malcolm Jaer, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Junior Pokomela (captain), 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Walt Steenkamp, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Luan de Bruin, 2 Reinach Venter, 1 Charles Marais.

Replacements – 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Erich de Jager, 19 JP du Preez, 20 Aidon Davis, 21 Chris Massyn, 22 Ruben de Haas, 23 William Small-Smith.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport