The Toyota Cheetahs made eight changes to their starting XV for Friday’s Currie Cup round five clash against the Blue Bulls in Bloemfontein.

In the backline, the Cheetahs welcome back Daniel Kasende and Ali Mgijima from injuries while Munier Hartzenberg starts at centre. Kasende’s return comes at a welcome time after Prince Nkabinde picked up a concussion last week against the Griffons following a dangerous and unpunished charge.

Upfront, the seasoned statesman Victor Sekekete returns to captain while Carl Wegner, Jeandré Rudolph Aidon Davis, and Hencus van Wyk have all been named in the starting side.

Neels Volschenk against Western Province. Photo: Morgan Piek

The young and exciting loose, Neels Volschenk, who will play off the bench told OFM Sport that they will only settle for a win.

“We definitely owe ourselves a good performance on Friday against the Bulls,” said the exciting rookie. Especially after the previous time when they played them in Pretoria. Two weeks ago we didn’t execute our plans and processes. We as a team are really excited and looking forward to this challenge.

“We know how important this clash is for us to keep the winning momentum and momentum to stay at the top of the log.”

A fortnight ago the Bulls beat the Cheetahs 25-13 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. Kick-off at the Toyota Stadium is at 17:00.

Cheetahs – 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Michael Annies, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Daniel Kasende, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Friedle Olivier, 7 Aidon Davis, 6 Jeandré Rudolph, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain) 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Hencus van Wyk, 2 Corné Fourie, 1 Schalk Ferreira

Replacements – 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Mzwanele Zito, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Neels Volschenk, 22 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 23 Reinhardt Fortuin

Bulls – 15 Boeta Chamberlain, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 12 Cornel Hendricks, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Celimpilo Gumede, 7 Merwe Olivier, 6 Nizaam Carr (captain), 5 Jannes Kirsten, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Joe van Zyl, 1 Dylan Smith

Replacements – 16 Tiaan Lange, 17 Jacques van Rooyen, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Sintu Manjezi, 20 Cyle Brink, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 Devon Williams, 23 Lionel Mapoe

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg/mvh