Head coach Frans Steyn has opted for a more experienced combination as his side looks to secure a first-ever win over the defending champions. That said, several players who impressed in the emphatic 64–7 victory over the Leopards in Potchefstroom have retained their places in the starting XV.

In the backline, George Lourens keeps the no.10 jersey after a composed and assured performance last week, with Marco Jansen van Vuren continuing as his halfback partner. Munier Hartzenberg once again lines up at outside centre, linking up with Zander du Plessis in midfield.

There’s a reshuffle at the back, where Cohen Jaser shifts from the wing to fullback following a heavy knock to Clayton Blommetjies at Olën Park. That opens the door for Banie Britz, who earns a start on the left wing.

Up front, Chucky van der Westhuizen returns at hooker and will captain the side, while the dynamic Dux Manyama packs down again at loosehead prop. In a special milestone moment, tighthead prop Aranos Coetzee will lead the team out in his 150th appearance for the Cheetahs.

Pieter Jansen van Vuren and Victor Sekekete form a solid lock pairing, with Gideon van der Merwe, Sisonke Vumazonke, and Neels Volschenk completing a balanced loose trio.

Munier Hartzenberg. Photo: Morgan Piek

Among the replacements, there’s a welcome boost with Scottish international flyhalf Jaco van der Walt returning from a hand injury that has kept him sidelined for several months.

Steyn told OFM Sport that squad depth is starting to give them real flexibility in selection.

“We’re getting to a stage where we don’t really have ‘ones’ and ‘twos’ in the squad anymore,” said Steyn.

“It’s about horses for courses – everyone understands their strengths and weaknesses, and if we can pick a team that suits the style we want to play week in and week out, that puts us in a good position.”

He added while the immediate focus is on beating the Pumas, consistency across all performances remains key.

“Every game is big for us. We saw against the Leopards how hard teams are willing to work – hulle het ons hard geduik – and we expect that every week.

Zander du Plessis. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Our focus is on ourselves – improving what we can control and making sure we pitch up and execute better each time.”

Kick-off in Bloemfontein is at 18:00 on Friday.

Cheetahs – 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Banie Britz, 10 George Lourens, 9 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 8 Gideon van der Merwe, 7 Sisonke Vumazonke, 6 Neels Volschenk, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen (captain), 1 Dux Manyama

Replacements – 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Tielman Nieuwoudt, 18 Frankie dos Reis, 19 Curtly Thomas, 20 Mihali Mosi, 21 Jandré Nel, 22 Jaco van der Walt, 23 Michael Annies

Pumas – 15 Jay-Cee Nel, 14 Valentino Wellman, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Wian van Niekerk, 11 Darren Adonis, 10 Clinton Swart, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Marvelous Mashimbyi, 7 Ruwald van der Merwe, 6 Ntsika Fisanti, 5 Tiaan de Klerk, 4 Hanno Theunissen, 3 Sampie Swiegers (captain), 2 Gustav du Rand, 1 Etienne Janeke

Replacements – 16 Darnell Osuagwu, 17 Kudzwayi Dube, 18 Bryan le Roux, 19 JJ Scheepers, 20 André Goedhals, 21 Raegan Oranje, 22 Danrich Visagie, 23 Qamani Kota

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm