Hawies Fourie has tweaked his Free State Cheetahs lineup for Wednesday’s clash with Western Province, as the Bloemfontein outfit look to extend their unbeaten run in the Currie Cup.
The Cheetahs demolished the Lions last time to overtake the Sharks, who are still undefeated this season, at top of the table.
Evardi Boshoff comes in for Robert Ebersohn at outside centre for the Cheetahs against WP at Free State Stadium, while Ockie Barnard replaces the injured Aidon Davis at lock. Aranos Coetzee returns from injury to run out at tighthead, with Marne Coetzee moving to the bench.
“It is important for us to keep the winning momentum. The game against the Lions, this week against Province and next week against the Sharks feels like a normal Currie Cup season,” Fourie said. “We have three games in this month and to stay on top of the log we have to beat Province and beat the Sharks next week in Durban.”
Captain Ruan Pienaar added: “I think they have a really exciting backline. I think [WP’s] back three is especially dangerous with turnovers and if you give them space on the ball, I think it is going to be a decent challenge.
“I think they play a similar brand of rugby than we try to do. They keep the ball in hand. We expect them to bring an attacking game to Bloemfontein. It will be another tough one against Province.”
Western Province team to face the Cheetahs
Cheetahs – 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 Evardi Boshoff, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Malcolm Jaer, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Ruan Pienaar (c), 8 Mihlali Mosi, 7 Jeandre Rudolph, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Ockie Barnard, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Subs: 16 Dandre Delport, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Marne Coetzee, 19 Sergio Moreira, 20 Andisa Ntsila, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Reinhardt Fortuin, 23 Rosko Specman.
