The Cheetahs have named a strong team for the clash; however, they will be wary of the Sharks who remain the only team to have beaten the defending champions, the Pumas, this season.

Earlier in the year, these two teams met in a Currie Cup warm-up match which the Cheetahs comfortably won. It was in this warm-up match that the flyhalf, Siya Masuku, injured his elbow.

While he made his return against Western Province off the bench last week, on Friday he will once again run out at flyhalf, against the team he will be joining.

The Cheetahs' coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that their opponents cannot be underestimated.

“The Sharks played very well against the Pumas,” said Fourie.

“At one stage, they managed to keep them out with 13 men. We know it will be difficult, but we have our own way of thinking.

“The focus will be to step up from last week ‘s game against the Western Province.”

Friday afternoon’s game at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 14:30.

Toyota Cheetahs - 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Reinhardt Fortuin, 11 Munier Hartzenberg, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Sibabalo Qoma, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Rynier Bernardo, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Schalk Ferreira.

Replacements – 16 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Hencus van Wyk, 19 Mzwanele Zito, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 David Brits, 23 Cohen Jasper.

Sharks – 15 Nevaldo Fleuers, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Joshua Jonas, 12 Alwayno Potgieter, 11 Marnus Potgieter, 10 Lionel Cronjé, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Henco Venter, 7 James Venter (captain), 6 Tinotenda Mavesere, 5 Ockie Barnard, 4 Corné Rhal, 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Khwezi Mona.

Replacements - 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Marco de Witt, 20 Dylan Richardson, 21 Tiaan Fourie, 22 Murray Koster, 23 Phiko Sobahle.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport