It is also a major milestone for veteran fullback Clayton Blommetjies, who will make his 150th appearance for the Cheetahs when he starts at the back. Prince Nkabinde has been promoted from the bench to the left wing, replacing Cohen Jasper, who drops out of the match-day squad.

The only change to the forward pack sees the towering Curtley Thomas come into the second row in place of the vastly experienced Carl Wegner.

Clayton Blommetjies will be playing in his 150th game for the Cheetahs. Photo: Morgan Piek

The bench features two new props, with former Junior Springbok Tebogo Nkosi and Ben Pitout both earning opportunities. While Nkosi made his Cheetahs debut against Black Lion during the 2025 Toyota Challenge, Friday’s encounter will mark his first Currie Cup appearance for the Free State.

Former Maties forward Simon Miller is also finally set to make his Cheetahs debut. Miller was due to feature in last week’s thrilling 29–27 win over the Lions but was ruled out shortly before kick-off because of a shoulder niggle.

Another player in line for his debut is fullback Henry Immelman, who previously represented CUT Ixias, Montpellier and the Bulls. The Upington-born Immelman is a product of Grey College and will pull on the Cheetahs jersey at senior level for the first time.

There is one further change on the bench, with the versatile Marko Janse van Rensburg replacing Rewan Kruger.

Miller, who can cover both lock and loose forward, told OFM Sport he is eager to make the most of his long-awaited opportunity against his former team. “I’m very excited about the game tomorrow.”

“It’s a great opportunity, and it’s an honour to wear the Cheetahs jersey and represent the Free State.

“I’m grateful to be part of this occasion, and when I get onto the field, I want to bring energy and make a positive impact for my teammates. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Meanwhile, Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn believes Blommetjies’ experience and composure remain invaluable to the team as the veteran reaches his 150-game milestone.

“It doesn’t matter if you have one cap or 150 caps, you still have to go out and play,” said Steyn.

Henry Immelman. Photo: Bulls

“I must say Blomme gives me a bit of calmness when he’s out there. Sometimes he does a few silly things and you stress a little, but since I’ve been coaching him, he’s been really good for us.

“That experience at the back brings calmness to the team. Experience also makes you see the game differently. Not everybody can spot the space the way Faf did for that 50–22, and Blomme has that same ability.

“You only get that with a couple of games under your belt. Hopefully, it’s a good one for him on Friday evening.”

Tebogo Nkosi will make his Currie Cup debut for the Cheetahs. Photo: Morgan Piek

Friday’s Currie Cup clash between the Cheetahs and the Sharks at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 17:00.

Cheetahs – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Michael Annies, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Neels Volschenk (captain), 7 Juan Venter, 6 Ramon Uys, 5 Curtly Thomas, 4 Victor Sekekete, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Tielman Nieuwoudt

Replacements – 16 Juan Smal, 17 Tebogo Nkosi, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Simon Miller, 20 Sisonke Vumazonke, 21 Daniel Maartens, 22 Marco Janse van Vuren, 23 Henry Immelman

Sharks – 15 Chijindu Okonta, 14 Christie Grobbelaar, 13 Marnus Potgieter, 12 Janco Purchase, 11 Lyle Matthews, 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Ross Braude, 8 Thomas Dyer (captain), 7 Danilo Botha, 6 Willem van den Hever, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Johan Momsen, 3 Simphiwe Ngobese, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Cameron Dawson

Replacements – 16 Bryce Calvert, 17 Jaco du Toit, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 Sipho Nonyalela, 20 Hanu Pieterse, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Chris Horak, 23 Matthew Fortuin

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm