Reinhardt Fortuin will start at inside centre as Frans Steyn is out injured, while Siya Masuku is back to start at flyhalf. Ruan Pienaar will form the halfback combination with Masuku.

Upfront, Chucky van der Westhuizen will start at hooker, while Friedle Oliver will run on at lock alongside the captain, Victor Sekekete.

Daniel Maartens has been released earlier by the Pumas and will start at flank.

Among the replacements, Andell Loubser, has been named on the bench for what will be his Cheetahs debut.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that Steyn will be out for a lengthy period.

“Frans has got some bone bruising in his knee and there also some meniscus damage,” said Fourie.

“He will be out for four to six weeks and hopefully he will be ready for the European Challenge Cup which starts early in December.

“If we can get him ready for that tournament it will be a huge boost for us. We rely on his kicking game a lot and that will be important in the wet conditions we expect in Europe.”

Friady night’s match at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 19:00.

Cheetahs - 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 David Brits, 12 Reinhardt Fortuin, 11 Munier Hartzenberg, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Friedle Olivier, 3 Hencus van Wyk, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 1 Cameron Dawson.

Replacements - 16 Marko Janse van Rensbubrg, 17 Schalk Ferreira, 18 Marne Coetzee, 19 Rynier Bernardo, 20 Siba Qoma, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Evardi Boshoff, 23 Andell Loubser.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport