The Cheetahs are no strangers to their Portuguese opponents, having beaten the Lusitanos 54-24 in Bloemfontein earlier this year during the Toyota Challenge. However, Thursday’s clash will be a very different affair, with a vastly changed Cheetahs side taking to the field.

Only a handful of players who featured prominently during the Currie Cup will be involved, while several others are returning from injury. Four players will also make their Cheetahs debuts.

Chucky van der Westhuizen against Black Lion in 2025 - Morgan Piek

Two of the most notable returnees are captain Chucky van der Westhuizen and former UCT Ikeys star Makhaza Nkosi, both of whom did not feature at all during the Currie Cup campaign.

The debutants are Shuan Ray at fullback, inside centre Duncan Basson, Juandré Schoeman at hooker and former Shimlas flanker Siya Ningiza.

In the back three, Ray is joined by Litha Nkula and Makhaza, while Marco Jansen van Vuren and Basson will form the midfield combination.

Ben Pitout has recovered from a shoulder injury he sustained against the Griquas - Morgan Piek

Tiaan Swanepoel starts at flyhalf and will form the halfback pairing with Jandre “Smiley” Nel, with both players seeing limited game time during the Currie Cup.

Up front, former Grey College captain Sisonke Vumazonke, Arno van der Merwe and Sasko Ndlovu will make up the loose trio.

Juan Venter returns from injury to pack down in the second row alongside Carl Wegner, while John-Kelly Okonkwo, Van der Westhuizen and Tebogo Nkosi will form the front row.

There is also plenty of experience and versatility on the bench.

The lanky Juan Venter has recovered from a chest injury and starts at lock - Morgan Piek

Ben Pitout returns from a shoulder injury to provide tighthead prop cover, while Erich Visser and Ethan Wentzel will offer cover at halfback. Wentzel can also slot in at inside centre or fullback if required.

In an interesting move, live-wire flanker Daniel Maartens has been named in the number 23 jersey, suggesting that he could be used as something of a utility back.

It is not a completely unfamiliar role for Maartens. During his Varsity Cup days with the Shimlas, he also spent time on the wing, so the Cheetahs will have a player capable of adding plenty of energy and versatility wherever he is required.

Live-wire flanker Daniel Maartens will act in a hybrid player after being named in jersey number 23 - Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs will be looking to start their Tbilisi Cup campaign on the front foot, but with so many new combinations being tested, Thursday’s encounter will also provide an opportunity for several players to put their hands up for bigger opportunities.

The clash between the Cheetahs and Lusitanos in Tbilisi kicks off at 15:00 on Thursday.

Toyota Cheetahs - 15 Shuan Ray, 14 Litha Nkula, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Duncan Basson, 11 Ntokozo Makhaza, 10 Tiaan Swanepoel, 9 Jandré Nel, 8 Sisonke Vumazonke, 7 Arno van der Merwe, 6 Sasko Ndlovu, 5 Juan Venter, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 John-Kelly Okonkwo, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen (captain), 1 Tebogo Nkosi

Replacements - 16 Juandré Schoeman, 17 Dux Manyama, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Mihlali Mosi, 20 Siya Ningiza, 21 Erich Visser, 22 Ethan Wentzel, 23 Daniel Maartens

Morgan Piek OFM Sport