Speedy winger Ntokozo Makhaza and tighthead prop Ben Pitout will both make their official debuts for the Cheetahs. Makhaza, a two-time Varsity Cup Player of the Year, has been named to start on the right wing, while Pitout will come off the bench. Both featured in last week’s Currie Cup warm-up match against the Suzuki Griquas in Bultfontein.

Pitout impressed in the scrums and fully justified his selection, despite being only 20 years old. He’ll be tested against an experienced international front row, most of whom ply their trade in France.

Ntokozo Makhaza. Photo: Morgan Piek

Makhaza, meanwhile, showed promise with a few solid runs against the Peacock Blues, but he knows the Lelos will present an entirely different challenge.

In the backline, Ethan Wentzel will start at flyhalf as he continues his return from injury. He gets the nod following a hairline fracture to George Lourens’s right arm in the match against the Griquas. Wentzel will partner Rewan Kruger at halfback.

Up front, another young tighthead prop, Frankie dos Reis, will start in the number three jersey. Interestingly, Dos Reis was a year ahead of Pitout at both Paarl Gimnasium and the University of the Free State Shimlas.

The back row for the clash consists of Gideon van der Merwe, Pierre Uys – who returns from a groin niggle – and Neels Volschenk.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Makhaza said he’s excited to make his official debut and feels better prepared for the intensity of top-flight rugby.

“Yeah, it was quite a step up from Varsity Cup, but I think I adjusted well as the game went on. Heading into the Georgia game, the big focus is going to be on physicality, but mentally I feel up for the challenge,” he said.

Ben Pitout (left) and Daniel Maartens (right). Photo: Morgan Piek

Known for his deadly accurate kicking boot, Makhaza also highlighted the threat posed by Georgia’s dangerous back three – and his eagerness to test himself against them.

“I'm very excited. Like you said, they’ve got an electric back three, so I want to measure myself against some of the best in the world. For me, it’s always about giving my best and seeing where I stand in comparison. So yeah, I’m really excited – super excited!”

Kick-off for Friday night’s clash between the Cheetahs and Georgia at the Toyota Stadium is at 19:00.

Cheetahs - 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Ntokozo Makhaza, 13 Marko Jansen van Vuren, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Banie Britz, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Neels Volschenk, 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Pieter Janse van Vuren, 3 Frankie Dos Reis, 2 Marco Janse van Rensburg, 1 Hencus van Wyk

Replacements - 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Sisonke Vumazonke, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Jandré Nel, 22 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 23 Clayton Blommetjies

Georgia -  15 Dachi Papunashvili, 14 Shalva Aptsiauri, 13 Tornike Kakhoidze, 12 Giorgi Khaindrava, 11 Otar Metreveli 10 Tedo Abzhandadze (captain), 9 Tengiz Peranidze, 8 Ilia Spanderashvili, 7 Giorgi Tsutskiridze, 6 Sandro Mamamtavrishvili, 5 Demuri Epremidze, 4 Guram Ghaniashvili, 3 Aleksandre Kuntelia, 2 Irakli Kvatadze, 1 Giorgi Tetrashvili

Replacements - 16 Vakhtang Jincharadze, 17 Nikoloz Khatiashvili, 18 Beka Gigashvili, 19 Mikheil Babunashvili, 20 Luka Ivanishvili, 21 Vasil Lobzhanidze, 22 Luka Matkava, 23 Demur Tapladze

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek