It will be the 25-year-old’s second start of the season, after he also featured off the bench in the 26–17 win against the SWD Eagles in George.

Wentzel made a solid impact during his time on the field, and coach Frans Steyn has thrown his weight behind the player, even though he is more renowned as a flyhalf.

His inclusion is the only change in the backline, with Clayton Blommetjies being rested.

Up front, Sisonke Vumazonke starts on the flank in place of Neels Volschenk, who is also being rested. The only other change is at hooker, where regular captain Chucky van der Westhuizen returns following the birth of his child.

He replaces Marko Janse van Rensburg, who took a heavy knock in George.

Meanwhile, on the bench, Jandré Nel has been included in place of Rewan Kruger, while former Shimlas captain Litha Nkula is set for his first appearance this season. He will provide cover at wing or fullback, and even at flyhalf if needed.

Sisonke Vumazonke. Photo: Morgan Piek

Earlier in the week, coach Frans Steyn told OFM Sport he rates Wentzel very highly, and that it’s now about the player regaining his confidence.

“He’s an exciting player, especially on attack, and it will be interesting to see how he develops from here. With Clayton Blommetjies around, he’s got a great opportunity to learn, particularly at fullback.

“But the key for me is getting Ethan back on the park and rebuilding his confidence to where it was during his Shimlas days.

“When he first arrived, he believed he could do anything. We need to get him back to that mindset, because we all know just how brilliant he can be when he’s confident.”

Saturday’s game at Barnard Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

Valke – 15 Mbembe Payi, 14 Ezrick Alexander, 13 Musa Tshabalala, 12 Zeilinga Strydom, 11 Mosolwa Mafuma, 10 Sergio Stalmeester, 9 Wernich Aucamp, 8 Zander van der Merwe, 7 Godfrey Muzanargwo, 6 Tiaan Jonker, 5 Cayno February, 4 Mihlali Stamper (captain), 3 Thabo Ntunja, 2 Pierre Rabie, 1 Lindokuhle Seteni.

Replacements – 16 Marco Fuhri, 17 Kayden Kiewit, 18 Eathan Jeffery, 19 Dirk Lourens, 20 Abulele Ndabambi, 21 Liam Kloosman, 22 Tylor Sefoor, 23 Theunis Pretorius.

Cheetahs – 15 Ethan Wentzel, 14 Michael Annies, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Jooste Nel, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 8 Sisonke Vumazonke, 7 Juan Venter, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen (captain), 1 Tielman Nieuwoudt.

Replacements – 16 Juan Smal, 17 Dux Manyama, 18 John-Kelly Okonkwo, 19 Curly Thomas, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Jandré Nel, 22 De-an Ackermann, 23 Litha Nkula

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg