The teenager, Christiaan van der Westhuizen, is excited to get his first run in a Toyota Cheetahs jersey on Saturday afternoon when they face the Griquas in Jacobsdal.

Van der Westhuizen is one of five players that will play in their first games for the team in what is a SA Cup warm-up match.

The young scrumhalf completed his schooling last year and sacrificed his matric holidays in order to start training with the Cheetahs.

The other debutants tomorrow will be the Springbok Sbu Nkosi, as well as Vernon Paulo, Thabang Mahlasi and Ulrich Stander.

Van der Westhuizen told OFM Sport it’s going to be a good and tough battle.

“I'm truly thankful for the opportunity that I've been given for this weekend, said the young scrumhalf.

“I'm really looking forward to it and it's going to be a nice and tough one playing against the Griquas.

“They have a very strong team this year, but we'll see who pitches up on Saturday, and hopefully we can get the victory.”

Saturday’s game at Landboudal kicks off at 15:00.

Cheetahs - 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Andell Loubser, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Sibabalo Xamlashe, 10 Abner van Reenen, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Andisa Ntsila, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Mzwanele Zito, 4 Friedle Olivier, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen (captain), 1 Schalk Ferreira

Replacements - 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Thabang Mahlasi, 20 Ulrich Stander, 21 Daniel Maartens, 22 Litha Nkula, 23 Christiaan van der Westhuizen

Griquas - 15 George Whitehead, 14 Marcqiewn Titus, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Bingo Ivanisevic, 11 Sako Makata, 10 Lubabalo Dobela, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Carl Els, 7 Stephan Smit (captain), 6 Thabo Ndimande, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Athenkosi Khethani, 3 Cebo Dlamini, 2 Sean Swart, 1 Kudzwai Dube.

Replacements - 16 Janco Uys, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Junior Banda, 19 Johan Retief, 20 Niel Otto, 21 Jac van der Walt, 21 Xavier Swartbooi, 22 Jay-Cee Nel, 23 Connor Mahoney, 24 Cameron

Morgan Piek OFM Sport