Both teams will battle it out to finish the round-robins at the top of the log and thus enhance their chances of securing a home final.

The Cheetahs will need five log-points from the game, while the Bulls need a single point in order to finish at the top.

The Cheetahs will need to score four tries, while also denying the Bulls from getting a bonus point for four or more tries and for losing within seven points.

In the backline, Clayton Blommetjies will start at fullback at the expense of Cohen Jasper, while David Brits returns to start at outside centre in the place of the seasoned Robert Ebersohn.

Siya Masuku replaces George Lourens at flyhalf after recovering from illness.

Upfront, Andisa Ntsila starts at flank in the absence of Gideon van der Merwe, while Cameron Dawson will start at loosehead prop.

George Cronjé has been named on the bench as cover in the loose-trio. He makes a welcome return to the game after more than a year in the sidelines due to a knee injury which threatened to end his career.

Saturday’s game at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 17:45.

Cheetahs - 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Dan Kasende, 13 David Brits, 12 Chris Smit, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Ruan Pienaar (captain), 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Aidon Davis, 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Rynier Bernardo, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 1 Cameron Dawson.

Replacements - 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Marné Coetzee, 19 Ockie Barnard, 20 George Cronjé, 21 Mihali Mosi, 22 Rewan Kruger, 22 Robert Ebersohn.

Bulls - 15 Richard Kriel, 14 Tharquin Manuel, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Lionel Mapoe, 11 Quewin Nortje, 10 Juan Mostert, 8Keagan Johannes, 8 Muller Uys (captain), 7 Jaco Labuschagne, 6 Eric Basson, 5 Ruan Vermaak, 4 Raynard Roets, 3 Jacques van Rooyen, 2 Sidney Tobias, 1 Cebo Dlamini.

Replacements - 16 Schalk Erasmus, 17 Tielman Nieuwoudt, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Willie Potgieter, 21 Tiaan Fourie, 22 FC du Plessis, 23 Niel Beukes.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport