Cheetahs switch things up for WP clash

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Head coach Hawies Fourie has announced a re-jigged Free State Cheetahs lineup to face Western Province in the Currie Cup on Saturday.

Loosehead prop Schalk Ferreira has switched places with Alulutho Tshakweni in the starting XV for the clash in Cape Town, while tighthead Aranos Coetzee returns from injury alongside hooker Marko Janse van Rensburg.

Lock Rynier Bernardo will provide cover on the bench for Mzwanele Zito, who links up with skipper Victor Sekekete in the second row, as loose forwards Gideon van der Merwe, Sibabalo Qoma and Andisa Ntsila – in for the rested Jeandre Rudolph – complete the pack.

In the backs, David Brits will partner Evardi Boshoff in midfield, and fullback Cohen Jasper replaces Tapiwa Mafura, who has been named among the replacements.

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The Cheetahs went joint top again with defending champions, the Pumas, last week after they tore apart the Lions at Ellis Park, while after successive defeats, WP returned to winning ways after overcoming a gallant Griffons side at Cape Town Stadium.

“From our point of view, Jeandre had a good game against the Lions with 18 carries and 17 tackles. He was our Man of the Match,” Fourie said.

“Andy [Andisa Ntsila] played well against Pumas after a long lay-off. He made a lot of ball carries. He deserves an opportunity. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to give Jeandre a break and to give a quality player like Andisa the opportunity.”

“The season is still long, and wherever we can do it and if the players are sharp, we’ll keep rotating without disrupting the team.”

Photo: @CheetahsRugby/Twitter

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