Veteran Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk returns to the starting XV for the clash at Athlone Stadium, while coach Frans Steyn has also shuffled his midfield and back three as the Free Staters prepare for another crucial battle in an incredibly tight Currie Cup title race.

With just three points separating the top five sides on the log, every point is precious. The Cheetahs currently occupy third place, two points clear of the fifth-placed Stormers.

Steyn has made several changes following last weekend’s narrow 24-21 defeat to defending champions Suzuki Griquas in Kimberley.

Marko Janse van Rensburg returns at hooker, while De Klerk comes in for Rewan Kruger at scrumhalf.

There is also a new-look midfield, with Zander du Plessis and Marco Jansen van Vuren forming the centre pairing. Michael Annies moves onto the right wing, while Clayton Blommetjies takes over at fullback following Henry Immelman’s injury.

Cohen Jasper and Jooste Nel provide attacking firepower from the replacements bench.

Zander du Plessis - Morgan Piek

While the result in Kimberley was disappointing, Steyn believes his young squad continues to take important strides forward.

The Cheetahs coach says the fight shown by his players, particularly in such a bruising derby, gives him plenty of encouragement.

“It's never nice to lose. We have a lot to fix, but we'll keep working hard. Hopefully we can get the win this weekend.”

Steyn also highlighted the development of a young squad that is increasingly comfortable in the heat of big Currie Cup battles.

Jooste Nel - Morgan Piek

“The team showed that they're prepared to fight until the very end. We've come a long way, and you could see that last weekend. I'm proud of the effort, but disappointed that we couldn't get the win.”

For Steyn, patience is key as several young players continue to find their feet at senior level.

“We have props who are only 21 and 23 years old. The only way they'll learn is by playing and experiencing these situations.”

And the Cheetahs could soon have another exciting piece added to their puzzle.

Cohen Jasper - Morgan Piek

OFM Sport understands that in-form Suzuki Griquas loose forward Carl Els is set to make the short journey down the N8 to join the Cheetahs once the Currie Cup season concludes.

Els was one of the standout performers in last weekend’s derby victory over the Cheetahs, with his work at the breakdown once again catching the eye. His ability to compete aggressively on the ground could prove a valuable addition to the Free Staters’ pack.

For now, however, all eyes are firmly on Cape Town.

Carl Els - Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs know that a victory against the Stormers could provide a significant boost in a title race where the margins are razor-thin.

The Stormers XXIII host the Cheetahs at Athlone Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off at 15:00.

Cheetahs – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Michael Annies, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Neels Volschenk (captain), 7 Juan Venter, 6 Ramon Uys, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Simon Miller, 3 Frankie Dos Reis, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Tebogo Nkosi

Replacements - 16 Juan Smal, 17 Tielman Niewoudt, 18 Aranos Coetzee, 19 Curtly Thomas, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Sisonke Vumazonke, 22 Cohen Jasper, 23 Jooste Nel

Morgan Piek OFM Sport