Coenie Oosthuizen will start at loosehead prop for the Free State Cheetahs against the Blue Bulls in Bloemfontein on Friday.

Oosthuizen has missed the early part of the Currie Cup through injury, but will return to the starting XV alongside Rayno Benjamin and Jean Cook.

The trio will provide the Cheetahs with a massive boost as they look to open up some breathing space between themselves and the other play-off contenders.

'We are really happy that guys like Coenie, Jean and Rayno are back in the setup. They are all experienced players that will add spice to the side,' said coach Rory Duncan following the team announcement.

'Coenie will be a huge boost with regards to the scrums, while we all know what Rayno is capable of on attack and defence. We will also need the physicality that Jean brings to the table, as we expect a tough physical battle against the Bulls.'

Prop Caylib Oosthuizen, flank Neil Claassen and wing JP du Plessis all make way, although they should see some action from the bench.

In the only other changes to the match-day squad, hooker Hercu Liebenberg returns after an injury, while lock Werner Lourens gets the nod ahead of Brendon Groenewald.

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 Lappies Labuschagne, 6 Tienie Burger, 5 Francois Uys, 4 Henco Venter, 3 George Marich, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld (c), 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Subs: 16 Hercu Liebenberg, 17 Caylib Oosthuizen, 18 Werner Lourens, 19 Neil Claassen, 20 Shaun Venter, 21 Pieter-Steyn de Wet, 22 JP du Plessis.

Photo: Gerhard Steenkamp/BackpagePix