It’s a final-round derby between two sides that have already booked their spots in next week’s semi-finals, which, in all likelihood, will also be played in Kimberley.

Both teams pride themselves on having strong packs, and forward dominance will be key to unlocking their dangerous backlines.

In the backline, the Cheetahs have made just two changes, with Carel-Jan Coetzee starting at inside centre in place of Ali Mgijima.

Carel-Jan Coetzee. Photo: Morgan Piek

George Lourens retains the flyhalf jersey, while James Verity-Amm continues at fullback. Cohen Jasper return to the squad and will start on the left-wing at the expense of the injured Michael Annies.

Up front, Gideon van der Merwe returns from a six-month injury layoff to start at flank, while Pieter Jansen van Vuren comes in at lock to replace the injured Carl Wegner. Chucky van der Westhuizen returns at hooker and will captain the team, while Hencus van Wyk starts at loosehead prop.

The bench sees the return of Franco Smith Jr, offering the Cheetahs extra options in the backline.

The seasoned Van Wyk, who can also pack down at tighthead, told OFM Sport that this clash will separate the men from the boys.

“I’m looking forward to it – it’s always a lekker game to play. You know the Kwaste over there, they’re always up for it. It’s a big match,” said Van Wyk.

“You find out what you’re made of when you go to Kimberley. It’s going to be a proper battle, especially up front.

“We’ve done our homework on how they scrum, and I think it’s going to be a tough contest. I don’t see it being a runaway for either team, but if we stick to our processes long enough, I reckon the dam will break.”

Van Wyk added that, while there’s a chance of securing a home semi-final, the focus remains on sticking to their structures.

Franco Smith. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Like you said, there’s a chance – so we’ll definitely give it a full go and try to earn that home semi. It’s definitely in the back of everyone’s mind.

“But, like I mentioned earlier, it’s not going to be easy. The Kwaste are a good side, and if we stick to our guns, it’ll be a lekker game.”

Saturday’s highly anticipated derby at Suzuki Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

Griquas - 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 12 Tertius Kruger, 11 Gurswin Wehr, 10 George Whitehead (captain), 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Phumzile Maqondwana, 6 Thabo Ndimande, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Dylan Sjöblom, 3 Cebo Dlamini, 2 Janco Uys, 1 Corné Lavagna

Replacements - 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Ntobelo Shezi, 19 Athenkosi Khethani, 20 Stephan Smit, 21 Bobby Alexander, 22 Tylor Sefoor, 22 Zane Bester

Cheetahs - 15 James Verity-Amm, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Marco Janse van Vuren, 12 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 11 Cohen Jasper, 10 George Lourens, 9 Jandré Nel, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 1 Hencus van Wyk

Replacements - 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Sisonke Vumazonke, 20 Neels Volschenk, 21 Tiaan Swanepoel, 22 Rewan Kruger, 23 Franco Smith

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg