Players such as Andisa Ntsila, Gideon van der Merwe and Oupa Mohoje are back from injury while Gorge Cronjé is a couple of weeks away from making his return.

The Cheetahs do have the likes of Jeandré Rudolph, Daniel Maartens and Roelof Smit to call upon, while Friedle Olivier can also play in the loosies.

Rudolph told OFM Sport that the loose-forwards will have to earn their jerseys in the team.

“There is a whole lot of lose forwards coming back and competition is good like you said.

“The four players that are going to wear the loose-forward jerseys in the 23 is going to have to be on top of the game.

“I am looking forward to having that competition and getting the players back and ready.

“It’s good for the union and good for the team - I’m looking forward for that challenge.”

The Cheetahs will open their Currie Cup campaign against the Griquas on 11 March.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport