Delport was named on the Toyota Cheetahs bench for their important game against Western Province as cover.

This comes as the Cheetahs have a number of hookers out of commission, while the Shimlas are unable to help out. Marnus van der Merwe will start the game in the number two jersey.

Delport told OFM Sport that there are nerves, but he is ultimately excited.

“It's opportunity for myself,” said the front-ranker about his surprise call-up.

“I've been putting in all the hard work and it is great to get an opportunity. 

“I must say that the coaching staff and the players made me feel welcome, so that makes it a bit easier for a player. I'm looking forward to a great battle against Western Province.

“I'm very excited and looking forward to it.”

The Griffons coach, Jacques Juries, in his turn told OFM Sport that Delport deserves the call-up and that the union as well as the coaches and his fellow players all back the player.

“Dandré certainly deserves this opportunity that has come his way,” said Juries.

“It's an accolade for all of his hard work, his persistence and perseverance that he has shown during training.

“To me it is well-deserved, and the Griffons all support him and are behind him all the way.

“I am sure that he will come back with more confidence and share his experience with us.”

Wednesday’s game between the Cheetahs and Province at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 17:45.

Cheetahs - 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 Evardi Boshoff, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Malcolm Jaer, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Ruan Pienaar (captain), 8 Mihlali Mosi, 7 Jeandré Rudolph, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Ockie Barnard, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Schalk Ferreira.

Replacements - 16 Dandré Delport, 17 Alulutjo Tshakweni, 18 Marné Coetzee, 19 Sergio Moreira, 20 Andisa Ntsila, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Reinhardt Fortuin, 23 Rosko Specman.

Western Province - 15 Tristan Leyds, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 12 Cornel Smit, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Kade Wolhuter, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Keke Morabe, 7 Marcel Theunissen, 6 Nama Xaba (captain), 5 Ben-Jason Dixon, 4 Connor Evans, 3 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Kwenzo Blose.

Replacements - 16 Lukhanyo Vokozela, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Corné Weilbach, 19 Simon Miller, 20 Roelof Smit, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Timothy Swiel, 23 Rikus Pretorius.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport