The Cheetahs have shifted veteran Ruan Pienaar to flyhalf to bounce back from successive losses when they host Griquas in a Currie Cup clash in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Following back-to-back defeats to the Sharks and Lions, the Cheetahs have given their starting lineup a shake-up as they look to hold onto top spot on the log.
Pienaar shifts to flyhalf in place of George Lourens, who has been left out of the matchday-23 after starting against the Sharks. As a result, scrumhalf Rewan Kruger gets a starting opportunity.
A third change to the backline sees centre Evardi Boshoff rotate in with Robert Ebersohn on the bench.
There are a further three changes to the pack as Friedl Olivier shifts to No 8, Siba Qoma starts at blindside flank, while tighthead prop Laurence Victor also gets a start.
The Cheetahs have opted for a six-two split on the bench, with Andisa Ntsila providing extra cover for the pack, while Siya Masuku and Ebersohn are the backline replacements.
Cheetahs – 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 David Brits, 12 Evardi Boshoff, 11 Cohen Jasper, 10 Ruan Pienaar, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Friedl Olivier, 7 Siba Qoma, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Rynier Bernardo, 3 Laurence Victor, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Subs: 16 Lois van der Merwe, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Hencus van Wyk, 19 Andisa Ntsila, 20 George Cronje, 21 Daniel Maartens, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Robert Ebersohn.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT !
-Windhoek Draught Griquas Team
vs. Toyota Cheetahs
-27 May 2023 – 13:30
-Toyota Stadium – Bloemfontein
Not available due to injury:
Andrew Beerwinkel
Malcolm Jaer
Alex-Zander du Plessis
Gustav du Rand
Sako Makata pic.twitter.com/5X4gTqO7ox— Griquas Rugby (@GriquasRugby) May 26, 2023
Photo: Twitter: @TheCurrieCup