The match will be the first of four games in the Toyota Challenge, while it will also be the first time since 2016 that these teams get to face each other.

Both sides were booted out of the Super Rugby in 2017, with the Cheetahs seeking a new home in Europe, while the team from Perth is competing in the Super Rugby Pacific.

In the previous ten times they faced each other both teams won five games. The last match between the teams was played in 2016 with the Cheetahs edging the Force 30-29 in Bloemfontein.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that he is hoping for a high-paced game.

“They will test us in other areas than the South African Currie Cup teams or the teams from the northern hemisphere, said Fourie.

“It will be good for us to play against them - I think the pace of the game will be high, I also think that the skillsets of both teams will be good quality and the spectators can look forward to a nice open running game.

“Hopefully both teams will be able to score some nice tries and play attractive rugby.”

Friday’s match at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 17:00.

Cheetahs - 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Evardi Boshoff, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Litha Nkula, 10 Ruan Pienaar, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Friedle Olivier, 7 Sibabalo Qoma, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Rynier Bernardo, 3 Hencus van Wyk, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Alulutho Tshakweni.

Replacements - 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Schalk Ferreira, 18 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 19 Mzwanele Zito, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Jeandré Rudolph, 22 George Lourens, 23 David Brits.

Western Force - 15 Harry Potter, 14 George Poolman, 13 Sam Spink, 12 Bayley Kuenzle, 11 Ronan Leahy, 10 Max Burey, 9 Henry Robertson, 8 Jeremy Williams, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Donny Freeman, 5 Lopeti Faifua, 4 Joshua Thompson, 3 Tiaan Tauakipulu, 2 Tom Horton, 1 Marley Pearce

Replacements - 16 Ford Hemi, 17 Angus Wagner, 18 Regi Churchward, 19 Jackson Pugh, 20 Fa’amanu Kalolo, 21 Jack Grooby, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Gio Leituala

Morgan Piek OFM Sport