Cheetahs reshuffle backline

The Cheetahs have made several changes to their backline for the match against the Stormers in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Only Sarel Pretorius retains his place from the defeat against the Lions, as coach Naka Drotské has opted to make a number of personnel and positional changes.

Joe Pietersen is restored to flyhalf, with Clayton Blommetjies moving from the bench to the No 15 jersey. There is also a new midfield partnership as Michael van der Spuy comes in at inside centre, with Francois Venter shifting to his outside.

Sergeal Petersen will make his long-awaited debut for the franchise on the left wing, with Rayno Benjamin switching flanks.

Up front, Caylib Oosthuizen replaces Danie Minnie at loosehead prop, while Coenie Oosthuizen is bracketed with Maks van Dyk at tighthead.

Cheetahs – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Rayno Benjamin, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Michael van der Spuy, 11 Sergeal Petersen, 10 Joe Pietersen, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Willie Britz, 7 Boom Prinsloo, 6 Tienie Burger, 5 Francois Uys (c), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen/Maks van Dyk, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld, 1 Caylib Oosthuizen.
Subs: 16 Stephan Coetzee, 17 Dolph Botha, 18 Maks van Dyk/Ewald van der Westhuizen, 19 Steven Sykes, 20 Carel Greeff, 21 Tian Meyer, 22 Francois Brummer, 23 Danie Dames.

Super Rugby teams (Round 12)

Photo: Sabelo Mngoma/BackpagePix