The former Suzuki Griquas forward has earned his opportunity following an impressive Currie Cup season and will be eager to carry that form into European competition as the Cheetahs prepare for a demanding opening Pool 1 encounter in Bayonne.

Head coach Frans Steyn has included Els in the starting line-up at eighth-man for the clash and his arrival adds another option to the Cheetahs pack as they look to make a strong start to their campaign.

Carl Els running out for his last Griquas game in the Currie Cup final - Morgan Piek

Steyn is pleased to welcome Els to Bloemfontein and told OFM Sport he and believes the forward can make an immediate contribution.

“We’re excited to have Carl at the Cheetahs. He had a great Currie Cup season with the Griquas, and hopefully he’ll settle into our system quickly and continue that good form. We’re going to need that from him against Bayonne,” said Steyn.

The Cheetahs will be looking to impose their attacking style on the French side, with quick ball and intensity at the breakdown expected to be important factors. Last season, the Free Staters recorded one of the fastest average ruck speeds in the competition, underlining their ability to move the ball rapidly and put opposition defences under pressure.

Chucky van der Westhuizen starts at hooker for the Cheetahs - Morgan Piek

Hooker Chucky van der Westhuizen was among the team's leading contributors, finishing the campaign with 31 carries and 37 tackles.

However, the Cheetahs know they will have little room for error against a Bayonne side boasting players with experience at the highest level of the game.

For Steyn, the challenge is less about reputation and more about ensuring his team delivers when it matters.

“We have a great squad, and now we need to perform. It’s about focusing on what we do, sticking to our game plan and executing better than the opposition. We need to make sure we get the job done.”

The Cheetahs coach also expects a hostile reception at Stade Jean Dauger, where the home supporters are renowned for creating an intimidating atmosphere. Steyn has experienced the challenge first-hand, having previously played against Bayonne at the venue alongside Cheetahs fullback Henry Immelman.

“I’ve played against Bayonne in Bayonne with Henry, so I know what to expect. The stadium should be packed on Sunday, and the atmosphere will be intimidating. It’s good to have Henry in the squad and in the team. We know it will be a tough challenge, but we’re looking forward to it.”

Cheetahs captain Neels Volschenk echoed his coach's sentiments, acknowledging the quality of the opposition while welcoming the opportunity to measure his team's progress against strong European competition.

“Bayonne have an incredible squad, with players who have competed at the highest level. Matching that standard will be a real test for us, but it’s one we’re looking forward to. We have no excuses. This stretch of fixtures will give us a good indication of where we are as a team and what we need to improve on.”

Sunday’s game at Stade Jean Dauger in Bayonne kicks off at 15:00.

Bayonne - 15 Yohan Orabé, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Guillaume Martocq, 12 Federico Mori, 11 Viliame Tutuvuli, 10 Rob du Preez, 9 Baptiste Tilloles, 8 Giovanni Habel-Küffner (captain), 7 Baptiste Heguy, 6 Mahno Dealle Facquez, 5 Brian Alainu’ese, 4 Manus van Leeuwen, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Facundo Bosch, 1 Ignacio Calles

Replacements - 16 Lucas Martin, 17 Swan Cormier, 18 Lasha Macharashvili, 19 Lucas Paulos, 20 Hugo Leclerq, 21 Herschel Jantjies, 22 Bastien Rasal, 23 Tom Spring

Cheetahs - 15 Henry Immelman, 14 Michael Annies, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Tiaan Swanepoel, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Carl Els, 7 Simon Miller, 6 Neels Volschenk (captain), 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Frankie Dos Reis, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 1 Dux Manyama

Replacements - 16 Jaundré Schoeman, 17 Tebogo Nkosi, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Aidon Davis, 20 Siya Ningiza, 21 Erich Visser, 22 Cohen Jasper, 23 Marco Jansen van Vuren

Morgan Piek OFM Sport