Tapiwa Mafura will start at fullback for the game, while Reinhardt Fortuin has been ruled out and he is replaced by Robert Eberoshn.

Mafura replaces Andell Loubser, who in turn moves to the bench for the game.

Upfront, Daniel Maartens has been promoted to the starting team, while Friedle Olivier and Jeandré Rudolph switch positions in the pack.

Maartens normally gets used as a impact player, however, the teams hand was forced due to an injury to Siba Qoma, while Roelof Smit has just one game to his name since joining the Cheetahs. Smit comes in as cover for the loose-forward off the bench.

Maartens told OFM Sport that he is excited to get a rare opportunity in the number six jersey.

“I'm really excited to start this weekend, said Maartens who has previously also played on the wing.

“I don't mind playing from the bench, but I want to make the most of the opportunity I'm being given.

“This game is a must win for our team and we want to show that we belong in this competition.”

Sunday’s match in Parma will kick-off at 17:15.

Cheetahs - 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 David Brits, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Munier Hartzenberg, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Friedle Olivier, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Rynier Bernardo, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 1 Schalk Ferreira.

Replacements - 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Hencus van Wyk, 19 Mzwanele Zito, 20 Roelof Smit, 21 Branden de Kock, 22 Evardi Boshoff, 23 Andell Loubser.

Section Paloise - 15 Théo Attissogbe, 14 Clément Laporte, 13 Yvan Reilhac, 12 Nathan Decron, 11 Daniel Ikpefan, 10 Thibault Debaes, 9 Clovis Lebail, 8 Jordan Joseph, 7 Martin Puech, 6 Sacha Zeguer, 5 Mickael Capelli, 4 Guillaume Ducat, 3  Siate Tokolahi, 2 Romain Ruffenach, 1 Ignacio Calles.

Replacements - 16 Lucas Rey, 17 Rémi Seneca, 18 Guram Papidze, 19 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 20 Thibaut Hamonou, 21 Reece Hewat, 22 Dan Robson, 23 Tumua Manu.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport