James Verity-Amm is set to play his first match in over a year, while powerful centre Carel-Jan Coetzee will make his return from a knee injury. 

Namibian international fly-half Tiaan Swanepoel is also expected to make his debut for the team. George Lourens, who delivered a standout performance against the Valke last week, may retain the number 10 jersey, especially with Clayton Blommetjies likely to miss a second consecutive week due to a calf strain. 

James Verity-Amm. Photo: Morgan Piek

Blommetjies was already sidelined for the Valke match with the flu.

The Cheetahs may opt for an interesting approach this weekend by fielding a 4-4 bench split, aimed at giving more game time to their backline players. Coetzee, who is set to be one of the four backs on the bench, told OFM Sport that he’s eager to get back on the park.

“I’m grateful to be back after such a quick recovery,” said Coetzee. “The team is in a good space at the moment, and the centres are performing well, so I need to make the most of every opportunity to earn a permanent spot again.

George Lourens. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Playing the Bulldogs is going to be a lekker challenge, so when I come on, I just want to prove the coaches right for backing me, show what I can do and make a statement.”

Meanwhile, with Cohen Jasper taking over kicking duties recently, it’s turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the Cheetahs, particularly since they were short on kickers at the start of the tournament due to Ethan Wentzel’s injury.

Cohen Jasper. Photo: Morgan Piek

The coach Frans Steyn told OFM Sport that it’s a good problem to have.

“Yeah, so now we’ve got the UCT guy, Ntokozo Makhaza, joining too, so from having no kickers to, like I saw just now when we left the training field, there were about six guys practising goal-kicking,” said Steyn. “Ruan Pienaar is working his butt off behind the poles. But it’s a great position to be in.”

Saturday’s match between the Cheetahs and Border Bulldogs at Toyota Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh