Head coach Frans Steyn has made 14 changes to the side that opened their campaign with an emphatic 54–24 victory over Portuguese outfit Lusitanos at the Toyota Stadium on Friday. There is also the prospect of a debut for Junior Springbok and University of the Free State Shimlas scrumhalf Erich Visser, who is in line to make his first appearance for the Cheetahs.

Ethan Wentzel starts at fullback, with Cohen Jasper and Prince Nkabinde providing attacking threat on the wings. 

The midfield pairing of Zander du Plessis and De-an Ackermann will look to control proceedings in the centres, while Namibian international Tiaan Swanepoel takes charge at fly-half. He will combine with Marco Jansen van Vuren in the halfback pairing.

Pieter Janse van Vuren, when he still played for the Pumas. Photo: Morgan Piek

Up front, the loose trio consists of Gideon van der Merwe, Thabang Mahlasi and Sasko Ndlovu, while captain Janse van Vuren partners Curtly Thomas in the second row.

The front row of Tebogo Nkosi, Juan Smal and Dux Manyama will start together for the first time, adding an exciting new dynamic to the pack.

Among the replacements, young tighthead prop Ben Pitout returns to action, while the versatile Munier Hartzenberg offers valuable cover in the backline at outside centre and on the wing.

The 35-year-old Janse van Vuren is no stranger to leadership. He has previously captained both the Suzuki Griquas and the Pumas, the other two South African teams competing in the Toyota Challenge.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Janse van Vuren stressed that physically matching Romania A is a non-negotiable for the Cheetahs.

“We spoke about it today as well and, like Frans said, we don't want to take a backward step,” said Janse van Vuren.

Erich Visser in action for the Shimlas against the Maties in the Varsity Cup. Photo: Hannes Naudé/ ASEM Engage

“We want to dominate that advantage line. That’s what rugby is about. You’re always going to have a tough day if you don’t dominate that. As South Africans, that’s what we pride ourselves on, so it’s a non-negotiable for us.”

While Janse van Vuren is proud to become the fourth player to captain the Cheetahs in 2026, he admitted that he is equally excited simply to be back on the field.

“I’m very excited, firstly, just for playing. I think it’s a great tournament to play in.

Prince Nkabinde is the only backline player who started against the Lusitanos as well. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’re very excited about this, and obviously the away leg as well. Hopefully, it can grow from strength to strength. It’s all about the performance.

“I want to play well and lead the team by example, and hopefully we can put in a good performance on Wednesday.”

Wednesday's Toyota Challenge encounter between the Cheetahs and Romania A at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 18:00.

Cheetahs – 15 Ethan Wentzel, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 De-an Ackermann, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Tiaan Swanepoel, 9 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 8 Gideon van der Merwe, 7 Thabang Mahlasi, 6 Sasko Ndlovu, 5 Curtly Thomas, 4 Pieter Janse van Vuren (captain), 3 Tebogo Nkosi, 2 Juan Smal, 1 Dux Manyama

Replacements – 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Tielman Niewoudt, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Victor Sekekete, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Erich Visser, 22 Munier Hartzenberg, 23 Litha Nkula

Romania A – TBA

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm