The inclusion of flyhalf Ernst Stapelberg is one of four changes to the Free State Cheetahs lineup for Saturday’s match against Griquas in Kimberley.
The Cheetahs are looking to snap a four-game losing streak and coach Daan Human has changed his team accordingly.
In the backline, wing Vuyani Maqina and Stapelberg replace Lloyd Greeff and Louis Fouché respectively.
Up front, Daniel Maartens is fast-tracked into the loose trio after Niell Jordaan was called up to the Cheetahs’ Pro14 squad. Stephan Malan shifts to No 8 and Abongile Nonkontwana to blindside flank to accommodate Maartens at openside. In a direct swap, prop Johan Kotze starts on the loosehead side ahead of Kevin Stevens.
Stevens, Stephan van Schalkwyk and Ryno Eksteen are on the bench.
Free State Cheetahs – 15 Adriaan Carelse, 14 Ali Mgijima, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Tersius Kruger, 11 Vuyani Maqina, 10 Ernst Stapelberg, 9 Rudy Paige (c), 8 Stephan Malan, 7 Abongile Nonkontwana, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Dennis Visser, 4 Louis Conradie, 3 Gunther Janse van Vuuren, 2 Reinach Venter, 1 Johan Kotze.
Subs: 16 Kevin Stevens, 17 Jannes Snyman, 18 Stefan van Schalkwyk, 19 Nardus Erasmus, 20 Luigy van Jaarsveld, 21 Dian Badenhorst, 22 Ryno Eksteen.
Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images
