Rugby
Cheetahs ‘home’ clash moved as snow disrupts Amsterdam─── MORGAN PIEK 08:02 Sat, 10 Jan 2026
The Toyota Cheetahs’ upcoming EPCR Challenge Cup “home” fixture against Ulster has been hit by a late curveball, with both the venue and kick-off time changed due to severe winter weather in the Netherlands.
The round three clash was originally scheduled to take place at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam. However, heavy snowfall across the Dutch capital has forced a relocation, with the match now set to be played in ’s-Hertogenbosch, approximately 90km south of Amsterdam.
The municipality of Amsterdam has declared all municipal sports fields unplayable until further notice following adverse weather conditions experienced throughout the week.
As a result, Rugby Nederland, the Toyota Cheetahs and EPCR worked closely together to secure an alternative venue, settling on Dukes Rugby in ’s-Hertogenbosch.
Unfortunately, the late change comes at a cost. Due to the short notice, Rugby Nederland and Dukes Rugby have been unable to put the necessary arrangements in place for spectators. As such, the match will be played behind closed doors, with no facilities available to the public.
On the field, the Cheetahs have made several changes as they look to rise to the challenge against a strong Ulster outfit. There are five adjustments in the backline, including two personnel changes.
Jaco van der Walt and Zander du Plessis return from niggles and will start at flyhalf and inside centre respectively. De-An Ackermann shifts back to outside centre, while Munier Hartzenberg slots in on the wing.
James Verity-Amm is set to make his EPCR Challenge Cup debut at fullback, replacing Michael Annies.
Up front, three changes have been made to the pack. Curtly Thomas comes into the starting XV at lock, Sisonke Vumazonke earns a start at flank, and the exciting loosehead prop Dux Manyama gets the nod ahead of Cameron Dawson.
The bench also has a fresh look, with Pieter Jansen van Vuren returning from a long-term injury, while Arno van der Merwe is set to make his competition debut.
Ahead of the team’s departure to the Netherlands on Tuesday, former Cheetahs and Ulster stalwart Ruan Pienaar, who is now the teams backline coach, admitted the task ahead will be a tough one for the Bloemfontein side.
“I know it’s going to be a tough one,” said the 88-time capped Springbok.
“I think Ulster are playing some really good rugby at the moment. It’s a club I spent a lot of time with and there are still a few guys there that I played with, so it will be special to catch up with them again.”
NRCA Stadium. Photo: Cheetahs
“But we know it’s going to be a massive challenge for us. Hopefully the preparations go well this week and we can put up a really good performance.”
Sunday’s revised kick-off is set for 16:15.
Toyota Cheetahs – 15 James Verity-Amm, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 De-An Ackermann, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Marco Janse van Vuren, 8 Gideon van der Merwe, 7 Sisonke Vumazonke, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Curtly Thomas, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen (captain), 1 Dux Manyama
Replacements – 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Frankie Dos Reis, 19 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 20 Arno van der Merwe, 21 Neels Volschenk, 22 Rewan Kruger, 23 Michael Annies
Ulster – 15 Bradley McNamara, 14 Werner Kok, 13 James Hume, 12 Jude Postlethwaite, 11 Zac Ward, 10 Jake Flannery, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 Lorcan McLoughlin, 7 Sean Reffell, 6 David McCann, 5 Joe Hopes, 4 Harry Sheridan, 3 Scott Wilson, 2 Rob Herring (captain), 1 Sam Crean
Replacements – 16 James McCormick, 17 Eric O’Sullivan, 18 Bryan O’Connor, 19 Matthew Dalton, 20 Marcus Rea, 21 David Shanahan, 22 James Humphreys, 23 Ben Carson
