The Toyota Cheetahs scrumhalf, Ruben de Haas, could be in action this weekend when they face the Western Force in Bloemfontein in the second game of the Toyota Challenge.

The American international halfback recently rejoined the Cheetahs following a two-year stint at the English Premiership club, Saracens.

De Haas, who grew up in the USA has a strong Cheetahs connection with both his dad Pieter and grandfather, Gerrard, having played for the Free State.

Following their 31-27 win against the Force on Friday, the coach Hawies Fourie, hinted that he will be fielding an entirely different team for the game this week.

De Haas could replace the in-form and confident Rewan Kruger in the starting XV.

De Haas played his rugby for the Cheetahs until 2021, and Fourie, told OFM Sport that he could play this week and he is confident the 24-year-old halfback will do well.

“The game will be the proof,” said Fourie who has just renewed his contract as the head coach.

“He looks comfortable and good with whatever he is doing, so I feel that he has got a very good chance to play really well.

“But, there were guys that trained well over the past three or four months, but they didn't play well last week. That's just the difference in playing the game in a game with a bit of pressure.

“Ruben has a cool head on his shoulders and I am confident that he will be ready to go and play well.”

Saturday’s game between the Cheetahs and Force at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport