There are, however, sweeping changes on the bench, with six alterations among the replacements. The most notable is Zachery Bester being named in the number 23 jersey.

In the run-on side, Noegh Hayward replaces Jandré Burger at fullback, while at outside centre Brandon Keevy comes in for Indiphile Tyeda.

The only change in the pack comes in the second row, where Babalo Makana takes over from Stephen Taylor.

Zachery Bester. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/ASEM Engage

Among the changes on the bench, Liyema Mgwigwi comes in as the replacement hooker, while Munashe Mhere and Sephekahle Dube swap jerseys.

Taylor and Burger have both been rotated to the replacements after starting in the Leopards’ heavy 101–7 defeat at the hands of the Suzuki Griquas in Kimberley last weekend.

Bester, who previously represented the Central University of Technology Ixias and is the brother of Zane Bester, is set to earn his debut after recovering from injury. He replaces the 20-year-old Hennie Otto Jr, the son of former South African Open golf champion Hennie Otto.

Following the heavy defeat to the Currie Cup champions at Suzuki Stadium, Van Straten told OFM Sport that it was a tough loss to take, but one that could ultimately spark a response from his side.

“It’s basically the battle of the North West against the Free State, so we’re really looking forward to it,” said Van Straten. “I’m someone who believes in the bigger picture and that everything happens for a reason.

“Maybe, in hindsight, it was good for us to get our heads knocked today, because it sets us up to come back a lot harder next week against the Cheetahs.

“If the Pukke (NWU Eagles) can do their thing against the Shimlas on Monday, that will fire us up even more, and then we’ll look to do our job on Friday night,” he said.

NWU did, in fact, beat the Shimlas 45–31 at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein earlier in the week to set the tone. Previously, Bester told OFM Sport he is just thrilled to get an opportunity to be at the Leopards after previously being on the radar of the Cheetahs as well as the Griquas.

“It’s a privilege for me to say I’m part of the Leopards. So far, it’s only been good for me,” said Bester. “Opportunities like this are massive because this is where it all begins, and a lot of players from here go on to bigger things. There are so many names you could mention who have moved on from here, and that’s something I also aspire to.”

Zane Bester on the attack for the Griquas against the Leopards. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The coaching staff we have here is incredible. We’ve got Riaan van Straten, who spent a few years coaching in Russia. I’ve known him since my days in Bloemfontein when he coached at Hoërskool Sentraal. He’s a brilliant coach. Then our forwards coach, Freddie, is excellent with everything he does with the forwards. We really trust them as a group.”

“As players, we know our future is in good hands with this coaching team. They give us the plans and direction, and the rest is up to us to go out and execute. From the warm-up games we’ve played, you can already see the improvements. Every time we take the field, we’re getting better compared to last year.

“There’s a very positive feeling in the squad. There are always small things to work on, but there aren’t the major issues we might have had in previous seasons. The changes have been brilliant, and the guys are excited about where things are going.”

Hennie Otto Jr. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs are also expected to hand out a few debuts, with new hooker Juan Smal and the fiery flanker Ramon Uys tipped to get their first opportunity in a Cheetahs jersey.

Friday night’s Battle of the Big Cats at Olën Park kicks off at 18:30.

Leopards – 15 Noegh Hayward, 14 Sino Tshontyi, 13 Brandon Keevy, 12 Bryan Breda, 11 Naiden Jaarts, 10 Shaun Baxter, 9 Daimon O’Connell, 8 Adri Kermis, 7 Ghudian van Reenen, 6 Armin Posthumus, 5 Mncedisi Dlwengu, 4 Babalo Makana, 3 Werner Geldenhuys, 2 Jason Alexander (captain), 1 Tatenda Chayayi

Replacements – 16 Liyema Mgwigwi, 17 Munashe Mhere, 18 Sephekahle Dube, 19 Stephen Taylor, 20 Divan Pieters, 21 Hlumelo Ndudula, 22 Jandré Burger, 23 Zachery Bester

Cheetahs – TBA

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm