The Cheetahs have been dealt a significant injury blow, with Zander du Plessis sidelined by an Achilles niggle, paving the way for Nel to step into the midfield.

While Du Plessis’ injury is certainly a big blow for the Cheetahs, it is a huge opportunity for Nel as it could lead to an extended run. Since joining the Cheetahs from the Shimlas he has never featured in back-to-back matches.

Nel has already shown flashes of his quality this season. Prior to the SA Cup, he impressed in the warm-up clash against the Griffons in Bloemfontein, and in round two he played a key role in the Cheetahs’ emphatic 64–7 victory over the Leopards at Olën Park in Potchefstroom.

That performance earned him selection for the clash against the Pumas, but the management opted for experience against the defending champions. Du Plessis, to his credit, did put in a solid showing earlier in the campaign, scoring a try in the 34–24 home defeat to the Boland Cavaliers.

Nel, however, brings a different edge. Built more like a hooker than a traditional centre, he offers serious punch in the midfield. With Jandré de Beer likely to feature at either flyhalf or inside centre for the Griffons, Nel could prove to be the ideal number 12 for what promises to be a bruising encounter.

Jooste Nel. Photo: Morgan Piek

There is also uncertainty around veteran Griffons flyhalf Duan Pretorius, who is racing against time to recover from a concussion sustained against Boland. Should the seasoned campaigner be passed fit, it will only add to the physical intensity of the contest - Pretorius is widely regarded as one of the toughest competitors in South African rugby.

Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn, a former World Cup-winning inside centre, believes Nel has all the tools to make a big impact.

“I wasn’t involved when he was signed, so I didn’t know much about him initially,” said Steyn.

Duan Pretorius. Photo: Morgan Piek

“But Jooste has all the credentials to become a top centre for the Free State. For us, it’s about helping him get back to that level of confidence and self-belief.

“The only way to do that is by giving him game time. Fortunately, he’s been training well and playing well, and he looks to be in a good space. Hopefully that carries into the weekend - if he gets some ball and a few carries, he’s going to be a handful.

“He’s short, stocky, and very difficult to stop - I definitely wouldn’t want to be the one tackling him.”

Steyn added that a trip to the Goldfields is never straightforward, and he expects a fierce battle up front and in the midfield - especially if Pretorius features.

Jandré de Beer. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Going to the Griffons is never easy. Their ‘Carl Wagner’ (Pretorius) at flyhalf puts in massive hits, and they’re a tough side at home,” Steyn added.

“I’ve played there before and we’ve struggled. But if we stick to our structures and everyone pitches up, we’ve set our own standards that we need to meet.

“There’s pressure on us - we need to perform, and we need to win well over the next four games to build momentum for what lies ahead.”

Saturday’s Free State derby at the DTI Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvdw