In the backline, Duncan Saal comes onto the wing in the place of Rhyno Smith who in turn moves to the bench.

In a further change among the backs, the seasoned campaigner, Tian Meyer, returns to the starting XV with the American international scrumhalf, Ruben de Haas, rotating to the bench.

Upfront, the 19-year-old George Cronjé earns his first start for the Cheetahs are playing several matches from the bench. He replaces the Springbok, Oupa Mohoje, who sustained a back injury during training.

In the front row, Beertjie van Vuuren earns his first start in a Cheetahs jersey since his recent return to the team. The now regular starter at tighthead prop, Khutha Mchunu, drops to the replacements.

Marnus van der Merwe will start at hooker for the derby after Wilmar Arnoldi sustained an injury to his jaws during training in the week. The Namibian international, Chucky van der Westhuizen, returns to the squad as cover from the bench.

The only other change among the replacements sees Cameron Dawson return from his back niggle and will provide cover at loosehead prop.

Toyota Cheetahs – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Duncan Saal, 13 Dries Swanepoel, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Reinhardt Fortuin, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 George Cronjé, 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Carl Wegner (captain), 3 Beertjie van Vuuren, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Boan Venter.

Replacements – 16 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Victor Sekekete, 20 Chris Massyn, 21 Ruben de Haas, 22 Howard Mnisi, 23 Rhyno Smith.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport