The match marks the final fixture of the opening leg of the competition and will also be a special occasion for two stalwarts of the team, with both outside centre Munier Hartzenberg and hooker Marko Janse van Rensburg set to earn their 50th caps for the Cheetahs.

For Hartzenberg, the milestone is particularly significant after a frustrating spell on the sidelines. 

The talented midfielder missed almost the entire 2025 season through injury and will now celebrate his half-century appearance in front of the Bloemfontein faithful.

Marko Janse van Rensburg. Photo: Morgan Piek

Janse van Rensburg, meanwhile, reaches the same landmark after featuring off the bench in Wednesday night's victory over Romania A.

The Cheetahs have opted for a settled and experienced backline. Ethan Wentzel starts at fullback, while the exciting Cohen Jasper and Daniel Kasende provide plenty of attacking threat out wide. Hartzenberg links up with Zander du Plessis in midfield.

Veteran playmaker Jaco van der Walt is back at flyhalf, with the in-form Rewan Kruger once again entrusted with the scrumhalf duties after a series of impressive performances.

Up front, captain Neels Volschenk returns to lead the side alongside Sisonke Vumazonke and Ramon Uys in a dynamic loose trio. Curtly Thomas partners Carl Wegner in the second row, while Janse van Rensburg starts at hooker in place of Juan Smal.

The Cheetahs have also named a strong and experienced bench, featuring the likes of Chucky van der Westhuizen, Daniel Maartens, Gideon van der Merwe, Marco Jansen van Vuren and the powerful Prince Nkabinde, giving head coach Frans Steyn plenty of impact options for the second half.

Steyn paid tribute to Hartzenberg and Janse van Rensburg ahead of their milestone appearances, emphasising the value they bring both on and off the field.

Ramon Uys. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Yeah, I think for us it’s massive, especially those two guys,” said Steyn. “Off the pitch, character-wise, they’re exactly the type of guys we’re looking for at the Cheetahs.

“They’re a brilliant example, especially Marko. Even when he’s not playing, he still does his best to prepare the guys who are playing.

“Then with Munier, I always think he’s the better brother. It’s just that injuries have kept him off the pitch for the last year and a half. So, to have him back on the pitch and involved again, it's massive for us.”

Gideon van der Merwe will provide impact off the bench. Photo: Morgan Piek

With two popular players reaching significant milestones and the Cheetahs looking to finish the first phase of the Toyota Challenge on a high, Sunday’s clash promises to be another memorable occasion in Bloemfontein.

Kick-off at the Toyota Stadium is at 16:30.

Cheetahs – 15 Ethan Wentzel, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Michael Annies, 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Sisonke Vumazonke, 7 Neels Volschenk (C), 6 Ramon Uys, 5 Curtly Thomas, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Tielman Niewoudt

Replacements – 16 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 17 Dux Manyama, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Pieter Janse van Vuren, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Gideon van der Merwe, 22 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 23 Prince Nkabinde

Black Lion – TBA

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg