Charles Marais will start at loosehead prop in the only change to the Free State Cheetahs team for Saturday's Currie Cup final against the Bulls. 

Marais replaces Ox Nche, who suffered a leg injury in the semi-final against the Lions. Nche reportedly felt discomfort in training throughout the week, but has been named on the bench.

The Cheetahs were also boosted by the inclusion of star inside centre Nico Lee after he picked an ankle knock against the Lions. He has recovered sufficiently to partner captain Francois Venter in the midfield.

Free State Cheetahs – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Francois Venter (c), 12 Nico Lee, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Niel Marais, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Niell Jordaan, 7 Uzair Cassiem, 6 Tier Schoeman, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld, 1 Charles Marais.
Subs: 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Armandt Koster, 19 Henco Venter, 20 Tian Meyer, 21 Fred Zeilinga, 22 Rayno Benjamin, 23 Conraad van Vuuren.

Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix