For Boland, the match marks a significant moment in the union’s history, as they return to the Premier Division for the first time in nine years.

The Cavaliers have strengthened their squad in the build-up to their top-flight comeback, bringing in the likes of former Cheetahs centre and Blitzbok, David Brits, as well as former Springbok scrumhalf, Louis Schreuder. Unfortunately for Schreuder, an injury sustained during training means he’ll miss out on making his debut.

“Yes, we’re happy to be here,” said Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie, who guided the team to the Currie Cup title in 2023.

“A pre-season can be mentally exhausting for players and coaches – you just want to get out there and play. So it’s great to finally be in match-preparation mode.

“We’re looking forward to Sunday’s game against Boland. We know it’s going to be tough and physical. They’re well prepared, they played well against Georgia, and they won that match. That says a lot about where they are at the moment.”

Cheetahs captain Victor Sekekete. Photo: Morgan Piek

“There’s still a lot of work for us to do, but I’m happy with our preparation so far. A few injured players have returned – guys who played little or not at all in the SA Cup – and some of the new faces have also settled in nicely.

“We believe we’ll give a good account of ourselves, especially here on our home turf. Winning at home is crucial – every team in the competition will tell you that.”

For the Cheetahs, the match is also of major importance. They suffered a 45–29 defeat to Boland in the opening round of the SA Cup earlier this year, and they’ll be eager to set the record straight. What’s more, an away win early in the competition would be worth its weight in gold.

The Cheetahs have opted for continuity, naming the exact same match-day 23 that beat Georgia 24–20 in Bloemfontein just over a fortnight ago.

Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn told OFM Sport it's important for his side to continue building on their physicality following the historic win over Georgia.

“The one thing that stood out for me in that game was how we had to lift our physicality to the next level,” said Steyn.

“That’s what’s needed in this Currie Cup – it’s going to be a tough one. I’m excited to see the players in action. They’ve been working incredibly hard.”

David Brits. Photo: Morgan Piek

Sunday’s clash at Boland Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

In the weekend’s other round-one results:

• The Pumas beat an ill-disciplined Griquas side 49–28 in Mbombela.
• In Johannesburg, the 2024 runners-up, the Lions, thrashed defending champions the Sharks 46–5.
• In Cape Town, the Bulls claimed a dominant 48–23 victory over Western Province in the North–South derby.

Boland – 15 James Tedder, 14 Marcqiewn Titus, 13 David Brits, 12 Lunathi Nxele, 11 Donavan Don, 10 Ashlon Davids, 9 Chriswill September, 8 Sibusiso Sangweni, 7 Khwezi Mafu, 6 Gift Dlamini, 5 Marlyn Williams (captain), 4 Michael Benadie, 3 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 2 Sidney Tobias, 1 Wayrin Losper

Replacements – 16 HP van Schoor, 17 Lamla Nunu, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Ameer Hendricks, 20 Thurlow Marsh, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Juan Mostert, 23 Xavier Mitchell

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 Jansen 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

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg