Van Wyk, who joined the Cheetahs last month on a short-term contract, will debut this week, but it remains to be seen if he will start or play off the bench.

Van Wyk told OFM Sport that he cannot wait to take to the park again.

“I’m very excited to be making my debut against the Griquas.

“Die Kwaste, soos ons dit noem, but yes, it will be a great opportunity for me to show what I am capable of and it is also a massive honour.”

The other new tighthead signing, Khutha Mchunu, could also be earning his first start in a Cheetahs jersey. This is if Van Wyk doesn’t don the number three jumper.

Mchunu made his debut against the Sharks some two weeks ago, while last week he replaced the injury Luan de Bruin at Newlands. Mchunu played in both games as a replacement.

Meanwhile, the fleet-footed outside back, Rhyno Smith, could finally make his return to the field this week after sustaining a quad injury during a preseason warm-up game. It is expected that Smith will be named on the wing instead of his usual position at fullback.

Hawies Fourie will be naming his team for the game at 13:15 on Thursday afternoon.

Saturday’s derby at the Toyota Stadium will kick off at 16:30.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport