The Cheetahs will face Portugal's Lusitanos in the first of their three matches, with further fixtures against Romania A and Georgia's Black Lion still to come.

Cheetahs head coach Frans Steyn has indicated that he intends to utilise his entire squad during the tournament, much as he did throughout the SA Cup campaign. However, he has still named a strong side for the opening clash.

Daniel Maartens and Tielman Nieuwoudt against the Boland Cavaliers. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs have a few injury concerns in camp, with tighthead prop Frankie dos Reis and winger Ntokozo Mkhaza unavailable, while George Lourens, Franco Smith Jr and James Verity-Amm have departed the franchise.

Prince Nkabinde returns after recovering from a concussion, while Carel-Jan Coetzee and Jooste Nel will form a powerful midfield combination.

Jaco van der Walt and Rewan Kruger have been entrusted as the halfback combination. Up front, Ramon Uys will start at flank, while Carl Wegner and Victor Sekekete pack down in the second row.

A strong bench has also been named, with players such as Gideon van der Merwe, Dux Manyama and Juan Small set to make an impact as replacements.

Live-wire flanker Daniel Maartens, who will feature off the bench, told OFM Sport the tournament presents a valuable opportunity for the squad to measure themselves against different styles of opposition.

“I think this is a great opportunity for the boys. There are three games in 10 days, and Frans has also told us that it's going to provide opportunities for all the players,” said Maartens. “So, I think it's a chance for the players who didn't get an opportunity during the SA Cup.

Ethan Wentzel. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Although quite a few players got opportunities in the SA Cup this year, I think we built nicely throughout the competition and, towards the end, we played some really good rugby. This is an opportunity to build on what we achieved in the SA Cup and continue our preparations for the Currie Cup.

“I think this year is going to be a great Currie Cup.”

With the Cheetahs keen to secure more regular opportunities in international competitions, Maartens added they are expecting a stern test from their overseas visitors and that the responsibility rests on them to perform.

“Yes, I think it’s a great opportunity to measure ourselves against international teams,” said Maartens.

“As you said, these may not be the very top international sides, but they are still international teams. They also play against the Springboks and the All Blacks, so it gives us a chance to see where we stand.

“I think it’s also a slightly different style of rugby. For them, it's an opportunity to come to South Africa, experience the country, and play here. As I said, it’s always good for rugby to see how other teams and nations approach the game.

Rewan Kruger. Photo: Morgan Piek

“They may not be the most well-known rugby nations, but they are developing strongly and are eager to improve. I think they will come here determined to beat us, so I believe it will be a very good challenge.”

Friday’s match between the Cheetahs and Lusitanos at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 18:00.

Cheetahs – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Jooste Nel, 11 Michael Annies, 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Sisonke Vumazonke, 7 Neels Volschenk (captain), 6 Ramon Uys, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 1 Tielman Niewoudt

Replacements – 16 Juan Smal, 17 Dux Manyama, 18 Tebogo Nkosi, 19 Curtly Thomas, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Gideon van der Merwe, 22 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 23 Ethan Wentzel

Lusitanos – 15 Tomás Marques, 14 Rodrigo Marques, 13 Martim Faro, 12 Miguel Cristovão, 11 Alfredo Almeida, 10 Hugo Aubry, 9 Tomás Amado, 8 Vasco Baptista (captain), 7 André da Cunha, 6 Francisco Almeida, 5 Guilherme Costa, 4 Duarte Nunes, 3 Afonso Tapadinhas, 2 Santiago Lopes, 1 Abel da Cunha

Replacements – 16 Pedro Vicente, 17 Jason Cornelius, 18 Martim Souto, 19 Luís Avides, 20 Diego Pinheiro, 21 Pedro Lucas, 22 Tomás Batista, 23 Jordan Bacon

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm