The former NWU Eagles' front-rower has only recently returned to the field after battling a string of injuries, but he has already made a strong impression – none more so than during the EPCR Challenge Cup clash against Racing 92 in Paris.

With the departure of Hencus van Wyk to the Stormers and, more recently, Cameron Dawson to the Sharks, Manyama’s return from injury could not have come at a better time.

The powerful prop brings plenty of energy to the park and, with his low centre of gravity – reminiscent of Ox Nché – he is a difficult man to stop with the ball in hand. He also relishes the physical side of the game and is never shy to put in a big hit.

Chucky van der Westhuizen. Photo: Morgan Piek

Van der Westhuizen, who also represented the NWU Eagles during his Varsity Cup playing days, told OFM Sport Manyama’s best rugby still lies ahead as he continues to build confidence in the role.

“Confidence is a massive thing in any rugby player’s career,” said the Namibian international. “When you get consistent game time and stay clear of injuries, that confidence naturally grows.

“He’s got a lot of potential, and you can see how he’s developing as a player. He’s also started to find his voice among the boys, which is great to see. I’m really excited to see what he can do and what the future holds for him.”

Van der Westhuizen, who has already appeared in three Rugby World Cups for Namibia, added the wet weather expected in Bloemfontein will likely put the spotlight firmly on the forwards when they take on the Cavaliers.

Van der Westhuizen added the forwards coach Tiaan Liebenberg has already emphasised the importance of forward dominance, and the captain believes that platform will be key.

“As Tiaan also mentioned, when the forwards are going forward, it makes life a lot easier for the backs to execute what they want to do,” Van der Westhuizen said.

Tielman Nieuwoudt will provide cover at loosehead from the bench. Photo: Morgan Piek

“For us, it’s important, rain or not, to dominate and get that go-forward ball to help the nines and tens who make the decisions.

“If it’s a wet game, there’s obviously a bit more emphasis on the forwards, but it’s something we’re used to and something we look forward to. We don’t mind taking that responsibility.”

Friday night’s eagerly anticipated clash between the Toyota Cheetahs and the Boland Cavaliers at Toyota Stadium kicks off at 18:00.

Cheetahs – 15 Michael Annies, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 De-an Ackerman, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Christiaan van der Westhuizen, 8 Gideon van der Merwe, 7 Sisonke Vumazonke, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Curtley Thomas, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 1 Dux Manyama

Replacements – 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Tielman Nieuwoudt, 18 Frankie Dos Reis, 19 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 20 Neels Volschenk, 21 Jandré Nel, 22 Cohen Jasper, 23 Clayton Blommetjies

Boland – 15 Domenic Smit, 14 Jade Stighling, 13 Lunathi Nxele, 12 Chris Smit, 11 Xavier Mitchell, 10 Juan Mostert, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Thurlow Marsh, 7 Kwanda Dimaza, 6 Sauliegh Arendse, 5 Marlyn Williams, 4 Jeandre Leonard, 3 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 2 Sidney Tobias, 1 Dewald Maritz

Replacements – 16 Joshua Eras, 17 Mthokozisi Gumede, 18 Andrew Beerwinkel, 19 Michael Benadie, 20 Khwezi Mafu, 21 Chriswill September, 22 Erik Lambrecht, 23 Thurlon Williams

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm