Cheetahs v Georgia - teams and prediction
PREVIEW: The Cheetahs will celebrate their 130th anniversary with a massive bash and an entertaining match against Georgia at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
This historic fixture honours Free State Rugby’s 130th anniversary, marking over a century of iconic moments, fierce pride, and a legacy that continues to shape South African rugby.
With Georgia set to play the Springboks a week later, this showdown in Bloemfontein promises top-tier action – and it’s the perfect warm-up for the Cheetahs before their Currie Cup campaign kicks off on July 27 in Wellington.
“This is a great opportunity for us to show how hungry Bloemfontein is for international rugby,” said Rory Duncan, CEO of Free State Cheetahs.
“We want our supporters to come and enjoy the day with their families.
“A lot is happening at Free State Stadium on the day, and I believe the Georgia game is a great opportunity to showcase that we can host a world-class event. It’s a great day out for the family, and a lot is going on at the Stadium.”
Cheetah captain, Victor Sekekete stated that the team knows the physical challenge Georgia pose.
“We really know what this game means for us, celebrating 130 years since Free State Rugby was founded. We truly want to embrace the jersey for its remarkable journey and the many legends that have emerged from the Free State.
“For us, it’s a blessing to have that kind of a contender, especially going into the Currie Cup.
“I think everyone knows the Georgians for their physicality. What we want to achieve in the game is to incorporate physicality and increase the intensity. So we’re looking forward to a good match.”
Cheetah coach Ruan Pienaar said preparation has been going well.
“It’s been a good week’s prep so far. I think the guys are excited and ready to go. It’s a big responsibility for us as Free State Rugby to perform well.”
“Celebrating 130 years is a significant occasion for the Cheetahs and the people of Bloemfontein. I’ve come to the stadium since the old stadium with the athletics track around, so I’ve seen all the changes that’ve happened at this stadium and all the great players who have come through here.
“It’s a great privilege to be part of that, and I think it’s massive for the players to play against an international team.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Prediction:
Rugby365: Georgia by 10 points
Teams:
Cheetahs: 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Ntokozo Makhaza, 13 Marko Janse van Vuren, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Banie Britz, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Neels Volschenck, 7 Pierre Raymond Uys, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Pieter Janse van Vuren, 3 Frankie dos Reis, 2 Marco Janse van Rensburg, 1 Hencus van Wyk.
Replacements: 16 Vernon Jasper, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Sisonke Vumazonke, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Jandre Nel, 22 Carel Jan Coetzee, 23 Clayton Blommetjies
Georgia: 15 Dachi Papunashvili, 14 Shalva Aptsiauri, 13 Tornike Kakhoidze, 12 Giorgi Khaindrava, 11 Otar Metreveli, 10 Tedo Abzhandadze, 9 Tengiz Peranidze, 8 Ilia Spanderashvili, 7 Giorgi Tsutskiridze, 6 Sandro Mamamtavrishvili, 5 Demur Epremidze, 4 Guga Ghaniashvili, 3 Aleksandre Kuntelia, 2 Irakli Kvatadze, 1 Giorgi Tetrashvili.
Replacements: 16 Vakhtang Jincharadze, 17 Nikoloz Khatiashvili, 18 Beka Gigashvili, 19 Mikheil Babunashvili, 20 Luka Ivanishvili, 21 Vasil Lobzhanidze, 22 Luka Matkava, 23 Deme Tapladze.
Date: Friday, July 11
Venue Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT; 21.00 Georgia time)
Referee: Christopher Allison.
Assistant referees: Tiaan Engelbrecht & Ashton Ockhuys
TMO: AJ Jacobs.
