Dawson is in line for a rare start, and reaching this milestone will be even more meaningful for the 26-year-old front-rower as it comes against his former team.

Dawson began his senior career at the Cheetahs in 2019, before moving to the Pumas in 2023. However, after just one season in Nelspruit, he found himself back in Bloemfontein.

Cameron Dawson. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs are expected to ring the changes for the crunch clash against the Lowveld side, who will head to Bloemfontein full of confidence after an emphatic win over the Suzuki Griquas.

In their last encounter, the Pumas edged the Cheetahs 38-36 in a thrilling round-three SA Cup match in Nelspruit back in March.

Against the Boland Cavaliers last weekend, Dawson delivered a standout performance, and he told OFM Sport he’s ready for another big shift in his 50th appearance, one he expects to be a tough day at the office.

“Boland was definitely a tough one for us, a lot of lessons to take from that game, especially in the second half,” said Dawson.

“Look, we’re a younger squad, with a lot of new players coming in and out of the match-day group. So, I think we’re going to have to learn quickly this Currie Cup and bounce back as soon as possible.

“Friday’s game against the Pumas is going to be a big one. We know what this Currie Cup means to us, and what it means for the Pumas as well.

Cameron Dawson and Hencus van Wyk after the 2023 Currie Cup final. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The unions are fighting for something bigger, and this Currie Cup is massive for both sides. It’s going to be physical, no doubt. We’ll need to take our learnings from the weekend and adapt quickly.

“It’s an honour for me to earn my 50th cap against the Pumas. They’re a quality side, but that being said, so are we, and hopefully we can make it a special one for the ‘States’.”

Dawson added that even though he grew up in Cape Town, the Cheetahs has always been his team, and this makes it more special.

“The sweet thing for me is that it's at the Cheetahs,” Dawson added.

“I was one of the few kids in Cape Town growing up supporting the Cheetahs. I think I was in a couple of fights at school over rugby games.

“So it's very special for me that it's here at the Cheetahs, and I'm very excited for the 50th game for the Cheetahs.”

Friday’s game at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 19:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan cvs/mvh