This comes due to a hooker crisis at the franchise with Scarra Ntubeni, André-Hugo Venter and Chad Solomon all on the injury list.

The only player left at the Stormers to wear the number two jersey is the versatile Deon Fourie, who is expected to start against the URC log-leaders.

While the Cheetahs haven’t played any rugby at the level of the URC in recent times, Arnoldi has experience in Pro Rugby after having played for the central franchise in a handful of games during the PRO14.

The Cheetahs answered the SOS by the Stormers and sent the former Matie, Arnoldi, to the Mother City.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that it gives Arnoldi some game-time.

“Wilmar is already in Cape Town. They contacted me on Saturday already and asked to loan him.

“He knows a guy like Neethling Fouché really week. They played together in Stellenbosch for Maties for a season.

“He knows quite a few players in their team as well, and they preferred him.

“It's a good opportunity for Wilmar to play in the URC again. He played a few games for the Cheetahs in the PRO14.”

Saturday's game in Green Point kicks off at 18:15.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport