The coach, Hawies Fourie, has named a well-balanced side with youth and experience, and this will see several Varsity Cup stars in action throughout the campaign.

The squad includes players such as the SA U20 captain, George Cronjé, as well as, Gideon van Wyk, Marcell Muller, Cohen Jasper, David Brits, Evardi Boshoff and Mihlali Mosi.

Frans Steyn and Rosko Specman have not been included due to their Springbok commitments, while Robert Ebersohn is not back at the Cheetahs yet. Ebersohn is expected to link up with the team at the beginning of August.

The CUT Ixias lock, Derik Pretorius, has not been included, but if the need arises Fourie will no doubt contact the hard grafting second-rower.

Fourie said that these players will get game time in the competition.

“We decided to invited some of the youngsters from our under-20's to join the senior guys to give them a bit of experience and bring them through the ranks a bit quicker.

“Four or five of those guys are in the starting team or on the bench for this weekend's game against the Griquas.

“Guys like Gideon van Wyk, who is the starting line-up against the Griquas. Some of the other youngsters are Renier Viljoen and Luan Potgieter and they will get opportunities.

“Then are Varsity Cup players like Evardi Boshoff and Mihlali Mosi, and they will also get opportunities.

“That's what these strange times will do, it will create opportunities.”

The Cheetahs kick-off their campaign on Saturday at 13:00 against the Griquas in Kimberley.

Forwards - Aranos Coetzee, Cameron Dawson, Alulutho Tshakweni, Schalk Ferreira, Beertjie van Vuuren, Hencus van Wyk, Wilmar Arnoldi, Marnus van der Merwe, Chucky van der Westhuizen, Janus Venter, Jacques Potgieter, Victor Sekekete, Jean Drosté, Rynier Bernardo, Oupa Mohoje, Jeandré Rudolph, George Cronjé, Gideon van Wyk, Aidon Davis, Andisa Ntsila, Chris Massyn, Mihlali Mosi, Junior Pokomela.

Backs – Ruan Pienaar (captain), Tian Meyer, Branden de Kock, Zinedine Booysen, Dian Badenhorst, Reinhardt Fortuin, Brandon Thomson, Siya Masuku, Evardi Boshoff, Howard Mnisi, Chris Smit, David Brits, Duncan Saal, Marcell Muller, Craig Barry, Malcolm Jaer, Clayton Blommetjies, Cohen Jasper.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport