The match is an important one for both teams ahead of the tournament. The Cheetahs want to build on their momentum, while by the same token, the Griffons want to test their systems ahead of their long-awaited return to the top flight of South African rugby.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, has named several players in the team who haven’t enjoyed regular game time of late and these include the flyhalf, George Lourens, scrumhalf Branden de Kock and winger Enver Brandt, to name a few.

The loose-forward Andisa Ntsila will also make a welcome return following a long-term injury lay-off which saw him out of action for eight months.

Lourens told OFM Sport that he looks forward to some much-needed time on the park and he hasn’t played a full 80 minutes in the best part of a year.

"Unfortunately, the opportunities have been scarce, so even though it is a warm-up game, I'm very keen to get a hit-out and a start while also getting as many minutes on the field as I can before the Currie Cup starts.

"I think the last time I played 80 minutes was during the Varsity Cup last year, so these games are necessary. Especially for us fringe players who do not get as much game time."

The former Maties winger, Siba Xamlashe, who joined the Cheetahs late last year following his studies in Stellenbosch, will also get his first opportunity in the colours of the Free State after being named on the bench.

Xamlashe told OFM Sport that he is also excited to get out onto the field, especially after overcoming injuries.

"I'm excited to have my first hit-out with the boys when I come off the bench against the Griffons.

"I've been struggling with a bit of injuries and stuff like that since I got here, but everything is getting better on that side.

"I'm excited to see how the game goes, as I'm still getting used to some of the systems and how things operate at the Cheetahs.

"I'm feeling good and confident about the game and I'm keen to see what the boys can provide."

Tuesday afternoon’s warm-up game at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein kicks off at 12:00.

Cheetahs - 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Andell Loubser, 13 Evardi Boshoff, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Enver Brandt, 10 George Lourens, Branden de Kock, 8 Andisa Ntsila, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Roelof Smit, 5 Mzwanele Zito, 4 Friedle Olivier, 3 Beertjie van Vuuren, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Alulutho Tshakweni.

Replacements - 16 Janus Venter, 17 Mox Mxoli, 18 Hencus van Wyk, 19 Daniel Maartens, 20 Siba Qoma, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Tapiwa Mafura, 23 Siba Xamlashe.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport