Volschenk will make his 50th appearance for the Cheetahs, sharing the milestone with versatile backline player Marco Jansen van Vuren, who returns to the squad after recovering from a chest injury.

There are a handful of changes to the team that beat the Boland Cavaliers 33-24 last Sunday to secure a home semi-final.

In the backline, Jooste Nel comes into the starting XV at inside centre in place of the injured Zander du Plessis.

Neels Volschenk - Morgan Piek

Up front, Pierre Uys returns to the starting line-up at number seven following a lengthy injury lay-off. He effectively replaces his younger brother, Ramon, although he will operate on the other side of the scrum.

Carl Wegner also returns to the starting XV after suffering an injury in the opening round. He replaces Victor Sekekete, who moves to the bench.

In the front row, 20-year-old Stefan Coetzee earns his first start at hooker, with Juan Smal ruled out through injury. This means tighthead prop Frankie Dos Reis moves to the bench as the replacement hooker.

Stefan Venter running on for his debut against Boland - Morgan Piek

Dos Reis is no stranger to the position, having played at hooker for the Shimlas during his varsity days, so the switch will not be completely unfamiliar territory for him.

Dux Manyama, meanwhile, starts at loosehead prop in place of Tebogo Nkosi.

With the physical Pumas waiting in Nelspruit, Volschenk knows the battle will be won and lost in the trenches.

He believes the Cheetahs' forward pack will have to lay a strong platform if they are to finish the league phase on a high.

Pierre Uys makes his return after a lengthy injury layoff - Morgan Piek

“It’s great to be part of a pack that is going forward,” said Volschenk.

“I mean, if your pack is going forward, your chances of winning the game – I’d almost say – are greater than your chances of losing. I feel you’re going to win the game eight or nine times out of 10 if that’s the case.

“I mean, we don’t have to work too hard to see that things went well over the weekend; it’s definitely a good sign.”

Head coach Frans Steyn expects another bruising encounter and knows the Cheetahs will have to front up physically if they are to come away from Mbombela with another win.

The highly experienced lock Carl Wegner also makes a welcome return from injury - Morgan Piek

“It is nice to be in a position where we know that we have a home semi-final, but there is still the possibility of finishing at the top and having the opportunity to host a home final,” said Toyota Cheetahs head coach Frans Steyn.

“We are in control of our own destiny. How we show up and how we play this weekend will depend on ourselves.

“The Pumas are a very physical team. They have a good kicking game and some quality players. When they get going, they also have a strong running game. We will have to match that in Nelspruit.”

The tighthead prop Frankie Dos Reis will cover at hooker this week - Morgan Piek

Saturday’s clash at Mbombela Stadium kicks off at 14:00, with the Cheetahs looking to carry their momentum into the business end of the Currie Cup season.

Pumas - 15 Jaycee Nel, 14 Darren Adonis, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Wian van Niekerk, 11 Banie Britz, 10 Clinton Swart, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (captain), 7 André Goedhals, 6 Thabo Ndimande, 5 Tiaan de Klerk, 4 JJ Scheepers, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Chyle van Zyl, 1 Zukisa Sali

Replacements - 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Etienne Janeke, 18 Junior Banda, 19 Stephan Krugel, 20 De Wet Marais, 21 Ntsika Fisanti, 22 Tino Swanepoel, 23 Russwill Fredericks

Cheetahs - 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Michael Annies, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Jooste Nel, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Tiaan Swanepoel, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Neels Volschenk (captain), 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Sisonke Vumazonke, 5 Carl Wegner, 4 Arno van der Merwe, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Stefan Venter, 1 Dux Manyama

Replacements - 16 Frankie Dos Reis, 17 Tielman Niewoudt, 18 John-Kelly Okonkwo, 19 Victor Sekekete, 20 Simon Miller, 21 Daniel Maartens, 22 Cohen Jasper, 23 Marco Jansen van Vuren

Morgan Piek OFM Sport