Cheetahs in historical Japan showdown
The game will serve as preparation for Japanese Top League and Currie Cup competitions for the two teams.
South African A Team captain Teboho Mohoje will lead the Cheetahs into battle.
The most significant team from the side that lost to the Bulls in their final round of Super Rugby league action last Saturday is the inclusion of Maphutha Dolo on the left wing – in place of Springbok Raymond Rhule.
Dolo, who played for Shimlas in the Varsity Cup when Cheetahs coach Franco Smith helped them to claim first prize, has two previous appearances for the Super Rugby team.
He was also named in the Varsity Cup Dream Team in 2015.
Another significant change will see Sevens Bok Ryno Benjamin return from a long-term injury to start at outside centre, with William Small-Smith shifting to inside centre and Michael van der Spuy dropping down to the bench.
There are six changes to the pack.
Tienie Burger starts at flank in place of Uzair Cassiem, Reniel Hugo replaces Francois Uys at lock, Tom Botha starts at tighthead prop in place of Nicolaas van Dyk, Joseph Dweba is the hooker (with Torsten van Jaarsveld dropping out of the matchday squad) and Retshegofaditswe Nche is the starting loosehead prop Charles Marais is on the bench.
Cheetahs: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Ryno Benjamin, 12 William Small-Smith, 11 Maphutha Dolo, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Paul Schoeman, 7 Teboho Mohoje (captain), 6 Tienie Burger, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Armandt Koster, 3 Tom Botha, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nche.
Replacements – from: Elandre Huggett, Charles Marais, Johan Coetzee, Carl Wegner, Henco Venter, Uzair Cassiem, Tian Meyer, Michael van der Spuy, Sias Ebersohn, Jacques du Toit.
Date: Saturday, July 23
Venue: Toyota Stadium, Toyota City, Japan
Kick-off: 18.00 (11.00 SA time; 09.00 GMT)
Referee: TBC
