While Kruger will not feature against the Romanians, he played a key role in the Cheetahs’ emphatic 54-24 victory over the Lusitanos of Portugal on Friday. The former Junior Springbok has also been in impressive touch since the latter stages of the SA Cup, producing some of his most consistent rugby in recent years.

Another former Junior Springbok and UFS Shimlas standout, Erich Visser, is set to make his Cheetahs debut when he comes off the bench against Romania A. Like Kruger, Visser is a product of Grey College, although he represented the school’s 3rd XV before continuing his development at the University of the Free State.

Erich Visser will be on debut off the bench for the Cheetahs. Photo: Hannes Naudé/ ASEM Engage

The talented scrumhalf was one of the Shimlas’ standout performers during the 2026 Varsity Cup campaign, regularly catching the eye with his energetic displays and knack for scoring tries.

Meanwhile, the much-anticipated Cheetahs debut of two-time Rugby World Cup winner Faf de Klerk has been put on hold after his inclusion in the Springbok squad. De Klerk was never expected to feature in the Toyota Challenge, with a possible debut in Cheetahs colours during the Currie Cup considered the more realistic option.

However, with several scrumhalves sidelined through injury across South African rugby, De Klerk has been drafted into the Springboks’ plans for the upcoming fixtures against the Barbarians and Zimbabwe, and is likely to remain in contention for the Nations Championship Tests against England, Scotland, and Wales later in the season.

That makes Kruger’s resurgence and growing influence all the more valuable for the Cheetahs, with Steyn pleased to see the experienced scrumhalf back near his best.

Rewan Kruger scoring his try against Portugal. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I’m very happy. I think he just worries too much about what Ruan thinks of him, maybe - I –know, you never know,” said Steyn with a chuckle. But he’s in good form, and he’s a valuable guy in the team.

“His experience is coming through as well with the rest of the guys, so I’m very happy with where Rewan is at the moment.”

Steyn is equally excited to see what Visser can bring when he gets his opportunity off the bench and believes having experienced campaigners around him will ease the transition into senior professional rugby.

Marco Jansen van Vuren will start at scrumhalf against Romania A. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Vis is on the bench, but I think as well with Marco there, we want to give him some old heads on the outside to help make the job a little bit easier,” said Steyn.

“You can’t just chuck him into the deep end, but I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do, and hopefully it’s a good outing for him. “He’ll be playing off the bench first of all, so we’ll see how it goes.”

Wednesday’s Toyota Challenge clash 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 dg