The Cheetahs were set to face Italy A in their opening match of the tournament, however, the Azzurri second-stringers have withdrawn.

The Bulls themselves are set to send a second-string side as they are set to face Connacht of Ireland in the United Rugby Championship on the same day.

The Cheetahs' coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that the Bulls will be a good challenge.

“It's a pity that Italy A withdrew from the Toyota Challenge - we would have liked to play against international opposition. The Bulls are a worthy replacement and always bring out the best in the Cheetahs.

“We look forward to facing them in the Toyota Challenge. I think it will be a good match-up and a great match for the spectators.

“The Bulls will be playing in the United Rugby Championship as well, so there will be a lot of interest in the game and we look forward to playing against them in Bloemfontein.”

The Cheetahs tackle the Bulls on Friday 30 September with kick-off at the Toyota Stadium at 16:15.

Toyota Challenge fixtures:  

Friday, 30 September 2022:              

16:15  Cheetahs vs Bulls (Toyota Challenge match)  

13:45 Griquas vs Emerging Ireland

Wednesday, 5 October 2022:            

17:00 Pumas vs Emerging Ireland

19:00 Griquas vs Bulls

Sunday, 9 October 2022:                    

13:00 Cheetahs vs Emerging Ireland (Toyota Challenge Match)

11:00 Pumas vs Western Province XV

Friday, 14 October 2022:        

18:00 Cheetahs vs USA National A (Toyota Challenge Match)

Friday, 21 October 2022:        

16:15 Cheetahs vs Griquas (Toyota Challenge Match)          

13:45 Pumas vs USA National A

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport