Henco Venter will start at lock in the only change to the Free State Cheetahs team to face Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.

Venter, who featured from the bench in the 19-16 loss to the Sharks, has been promoted to the starting lineup in place of the injured Carl Wegner. Waltie Vermeulen will take his place on the bench, in the only other change to the match-day squad.

Meanwhile, Clayton Blommetjies will continue at fullback after an impressive showing against the Sharks.

The Cheetahs have struggled for consistency, losing two of their three matches so far, while their opponents are yet to taste success this season this season.

Free State Cheetahs – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Rayno Benjamin, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Joubert Engelbrecht, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Willie du Plessis, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Jean Cook, 7 Neil Claassen, 6 Tienie Burger, 5 Francois Uys, 4 Henco Venter, 3 Dolph Botha, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld (c), 1 Kevin Stevens.
Subs: 16 AJ Le Roux, 17 George Marich, 18 Waltie Vermeulen, 19 Vincent Jobo, 20 Shaun Venter, 21 Pieter-Steyn De Wet, 22 JP du Plessis.

Photo: Charle Lombard/Gallo Images