The Cheetahs will first travel to Amsterdam in the Netherlands to take on Ulster, before heading to Paris, France, where they will wrap up their pool campaign against Racing 92. It’s a crucial fortnight for the Free Staters, who are under pressure after suffering heavy defeats – a 42–12 loss to Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park in England, followed by a 45–22 setback against Stade Français in Amsterdam.

James Verity-Amm. Photo: Morgan Piek

With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Cheetahs know the task at hand. Their chances of reaching the knockout stages are slim, and to keep the dream alive they will need to secure back-to-back bonus-point victories – and even then, they’ll be relying on a favour or two elsewhere.

Regular captain Victor Sekekete has not been included in the touring squad as he continues to recover from a facial fracture sustained earlier in the competition.  Former UFS Shimlas skipper Pierre Uys is also unavailable, as he too is sidelined with a facial injury. Adding to the injury woes, energetic lock Juan Venter is out with a shoulder problem.

Pieter Jansen van Vuren. Photo: Morgan Piek

There is, however, a timely boost in the engine room, with seasoned second-rower Pieter Jansen van Vuren returning from a long-term injury. His comeback will add much-needed experience and physicality to the pack. Hooker Arno van der Merwe has also been included for the tour, bolstering the forwards further.

In total, there are seven changes to the squad as the Cheetahs opt to rotate their resources. Former Junior Springbok hooker Juan Smal will tour for the first time this season and is expected to make his debut, while tighthead prop Ben Pitout also earns his maiden call-up.  The pair replace Vernon Paulo and Tielman Nieuwoudt.

Arno van der Merwe. Photo: Morgan Piek

There is more positive news in the backline, with flyhalf Jaco van der Walt and inside centre Zander du Plessis returning after shaking off niggles picked up against Exeter. Versatile backs Franco Smith Jr and James Verity-Amm also get their chance after missing out on the previous tour.

The Cheetahs are set to depart for the Dutch capital on Tuesday and will spend a few days acclimatising and training in conditions expected to be far colder than those experienced in December. 

Despite that, preparations have been ticking along nicely, with the squad having trained in Bloemfontein since Monday.

Sunday’s clash against Ulster will be played at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam, with kick-off scheduled for 17:15.

Touring Squad:

Forwards: Aranos Coetzee, Cameron Dawson, Frankie Dos Reis, Marko Janse van Rensburg, Pieter Jansen van Vuren, Daniel Maartens, Dux Manyama, Ben Pitout, Juan Smal, Curtley Thomas, Arno van der Merwe, Gideon van der Merwe, Chucky van der Westhuizen, Neels Volschenk, Sisonke Vumazonke, Carl Wegner

Backs: De-an Ackerman, Michael Annies, Zander du Plessis, Munier Hartzenberg, Marco Janse van Vuren, Rewan Kruger, Jandré Nel, Prince Nkabinde, Franco Smith, James Verity-Amm, Jaco van der Walt

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg