Tian Schoeman will start at flyhalf in the Cheetahs’ Pro14 opener against Munster in Limerick on Saturday.
The former Bulls player joined the Cheetahs from Bordeaux in the off-season, and will form a halfback partnership with Shaun Venter on his Pro14 debut.
Meanwhile, former Sharks flyhalf Benhard Janse van Rensburg has been named at outside centre in what will be his first exposure to the competition along with fellow newcomers Luan de Bruin, JP du Preez, Walt Steenkamp, Aidon Davis and Ryno Eksteen.
‘We have a huge task ahead of us with new players who joined the squad and we want to make South Africa and the Pro14 proud,’ coach Franco Smith commented.
‘It’s the beginning of a new season. We are realistic. We have to stick to the process and try to adapt as quick as possible to the required tempo and intensity.’
Cheetahs – 15 Malcolm Jaer, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 Nico Lee, 11 William Small-Smith, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Oupa Mohoje (c), 6 Junior Pokomela, 5 JP du Preez, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Luan de Bruin, 2 Jacques du Toit, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Charles Marais, 18 Aranos Coetzee, 19 Walt Steenkamp, 20 Aidon Davis, 21 Tian Meyer, 22 Ernst Stapelberg, 23 Ryno Eksteen.
Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images
