To date, Swanepoel has only featured in the SA Cup for the Cheetahs, and he has recently returned from international duty with the Welwitschias.

He will start at flyhalf, forming the halfback pairing with Jandré Nel. James Verity-Amm returns from injury to start at fullback – a match that will also mark his Currie Cup debut for the Free State.

Up front, former Junior Springbok captain Sasko Ndlovu will make his Cheetahs debut in the number six jersey.

James Verity-Amm. Photo: Morgan Piek

With Pieter Jansen van Vuren sidelined through injury, Pierre Uys shifts to lock where he will partner with captain Victor Sekekete. In the front row, Cameron Dawson and Vernon Paulo both earn rare starts following standout performances against the Boland Cavaliers.

When 25-year-old Franco Smith takes to the field off the bench, he too will be making his Currie Cup debut.

Swanepoel told OFM Sport that, although he hasn’t played for the Cheetahs since the SA Cup, he has been involved in international rugby and is eager to represent the team in the world’s oldest domestic rugby competition.

“Yes, obviously for us, coming from Kampala and playing against Zimbabwe in the final, that gave us some valuable game time,” said Swanepoel.

“We’ve played more matches than the guys here at Free State, and at a higher level, as you mentioned. That brings a bit more match fitness and sharpness – it helps you read the game better on the field.

“Of course, I only played in the SA Cup for the Cheetahs earlier in the year, and now to play in the Currie Cup here in Bloemfontein is really exciting. I’m going to enjoy it and hopefully help the team get the win.

Sasko Ndlovu. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We haven’t beaten the Pumas in a while, so it’s important for us to play well here at home in Bloem and secure that victory to get our season back on track.”

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

Cheetahs - 15 James Verity-Amm, 14 Banie Britz, 13 Marko Jansen van Vuren, 12 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 11 Cohen Jasper, 10 Tiaan Swanepoel, 9 Jandré Nel, 8 Neels Volschenk, 7 Gideon van der Merwe, 6 Sasko Ndlovu, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Pierre Uys, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Cameron Dawson

Replacements - 16 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Aranos Coetzee, 19 Sisonke Vumazonke, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Franco Smith, 23 Clayton Blommetjies

Pumas – 15 Tino Swanepoel, 14 Lundi Msenge, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Wian van Niekerk, 11 Darren Adonis, 10 Danrich Visagie, 9 Ross Braude, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (captain), 7 Kwanda Dimaza, 6 Ntsika Fisante, 5 Jeandré Leonard, 4 Heinz Bertram, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Etienne Janeke

Replacements – 16 Darnell Osuagwu, 17 Stephan de Jager, 18 Dewald Maritz, 19 JJ Scheepers, 20 André Fouche 21 Ruwald van der Merwe, 22 Russwill Fredericks, 23 Stephan Coetzee

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs