Van der Walt will marshal the backline for the first time since recovering from a hand injury. He was named on the bench for last week’s clash against the Pumas, but didn’t see any game time after the match was abandoned due to lightning.

There’s also a welcome boost at the back, with Clayton Blommetjies slotting in at fullback after shaking off a heavy knock he picked up against the Leopards in Potchefstroom.

His return triggers a reshuffle in the back three, with Blommetjies’ availability adding spark and experience. Michael Annies comes in on the left wing, while Prince Nkabinde provides impact off the bench.

Up front, the pack receives a timely reinforcement as Carl Wegner has been cleared after the concussion he sustained against the Cavaliers. He starts at lock alongside Victor Sekekere.

In the front row, John-Kelly Okonkwo packs down at tighthead prop, with Tielman Nieuwoudt starting at loosehead.

There’s also a chance for fresh faces to make their mark, with Rewan Kruger and Carel-Jan Coetzee named among the replacements for their first appearances of the season.

Van der Walt told OFM Sport there’s a real sense of excitement in the camp ahead of what promises to be a physical encounter.

Carel-Jan Coetzee. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’re excited for tomorrow, but it’s going to be a tough game. EP are always physical, and they’ve got a good group of players, so it won’t be easy,” he said.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to put in a strong performance, get points on the board, and climb the log. If we stick to our processes, we’ll give ourselves a proper chance.”

“It’s a really important game for us as we push towards the play-offs. We need those points, so it’s a great challenge and one we’re looking forward to.”

Van der Walt added that the venue change and earlier kick-off won’t disrupt their preparations.

“The venue change isn’t a big issue. A lot of the guys have played there before through Shimlas, so we’re comfortable in Bloemfontein.

“One o’clock is earlier than usual, but we’ll adapt. It could even work in our favour with the weather, especially if there’s rain later in the day.

“The stadium is quite open, so the wind could play a role, but we’ll adjust and try to use it to our advantage. It’s a great venue and the pitch is looking good.

“We’ll need to be at our best, but we enjoy challenges like this, and hopefully we can get the win.”

John-Kelly Okonkwo. Photo: Morgan Piek

Saturday’s clash at Shimla Park kicks off at 13:00.

Toyota Cheetahs – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Michael Annies, 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 8 Gideon van der Merwe, 7 Sisonke Vumazonke, 6 Neels Volschenk, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 John-Kelly Okonkwo, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen (captain), 1 Tielman Nieuwoudt

Replacements – 16 Marko Jansre van Rensburg, 17 Frankie Dos Reis, 18 Aranos Coetzee, 19 Curtly Thomas, 20 Ramon Uys, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 23 Prince Nkabinde

Eastern Province – 15 Jaydon Bantom, 14 Lwandile Maphuko, 13 Christiaan Potgieter, 12 Troy Delport, 11 Mpho Ntsane, 10 Garth April, 9 Shirwin Cupido, 8 Athi Manentsa, 7 Laken Gray, 6 Damon Royle, 5 Mzwanele Zito (captain), 4 Athi Khetani, 3 Buhle Nojekwa, 2 Dandré Delport, 1 Siya Nzuzo

Replacements – 16 Themba Boltina, 17 Hlomla Zondani, 18 Duncan Du Buisson, 19 Joshua Parris, 20 Diego Williams, 21 Jac van der Walt, 22 Richman Gora, 23 Maxwell Klaasen

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg