Steyn at fullback for Cheetahs

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Springbok veteran Frans Steyn will start at fullback when the Toyota Cheetahs make their long-awaited return to top-class rugby against Section Paloise on Saturday in Pau.

The Bloemfontein side last featured in the PRO14 competition in the 2020/21 season, where they finished in fourth place on the Conference A log with six wins in 13 matches.

Section Paloise – or Pau – as they are commonly known, have included former Cheetahs prop Maks van Dyk on their replacements bench for Saturday’s clash at the Stade du Hameau.

“Pau play with high intensity, and they are a skilful team. They are not afraid to attack and to put you under pressure,” said Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie at Friday’s team announcement.

“This game will definitely be a step up for us. We also like to play high intensity, so it will suit us. We need to execute well what we plan to do.

“We know that there is a lot of pressure and expectations from the outside, and we have a responsibility to do well. We can now measure ourselves against these guys. It is a privilege to have the opportunity, and we’ll make the best of it.

“We’re trying to use the player’s skills as well as we can in the conditions they are going to play in.”

The Challenge Cup match kicks off at 3:00pm (SA time) and will be live on SuperSport, channel 206.

Cheetahs – 15 Frans Steyn, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 David Brits, 12 Reinhardt Fortuin, 11 Tapiwa Mafura, 10 Siya Masuku, 9  Ruan Pienaar, 8 Friedle Olivier, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Jeandrè Rudolph, 5 Victor Sekekete (c), 4 Mzwanele Zito, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1  Schalk Ferreira.
Subs: 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17  Mzamo Majola, 18  Hencus van Wyk, 19  Rynier Bernardo, 20  Sibabalo Qoma, 21 Daniel Maartens, 22 Rewan Kruger, 23 Robert Ebersohn.

Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images

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SA Rugby magazine