Blommetjies benched, Makhaza starts for Cheetahs
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs Director of Rugby announced his side for their Currie Cup season-opener against the Boland Cavaliers on Sunday, July 27, in Wellington.
Lock Victor Sekekete retains the captaincy from last season.
There are familiar faces in the matchday outfit, such as Gideon van der Merwe, Rewan Kruger, Ali Mgijima, Cohen Jasper and Clayton Blommetjies.
Varsity Cup winner Ntokozo Makhaza is also included on the wing in place of the injured Munier Hartzenberg after an eye-catching display against Georgia a fortnight ago.
Steyn said that the match against Georgia was the perfect preparation heading into the Currie Cup season.
“The one thing that I’m glad about the game against Georgia was that we had to lift our physicality to the next level.
“I believe that is what you need to do in this Currie Cup, because it is going to be a tough one.
“I’m excited to see the players in action. They’ve been working hard.”
Captain Sekekete added: “There is a lot of competition, especially with several young, talented guys coming through.
“Young players are stepping up, and it is good for South African rugby.
“I believe that it will be a tough and competitive Currie Cup. When you play a game, you need to score points – otherwise, you’re going to play catch-up rugby.”
Cheetahs: 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Ntokozo Makhaza, 13 Marco Janse van Vuuren, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Banie Britz, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Neels Volschenk, 7 Pierre-Raymond Uys, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Pieter Jansen van Vuuren, 3 Frankie Dos Reis, 2 Marco Janse van Rensburg, 1 Hencus van Wyk
Replacements: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Sisonke Vumazonke, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Jandre Nel, 22 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.
Date: Sunday, July 27
Venue: Boland Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Hanru van Rooyen (South Africa), Juan de Bod (South Africa)
TMO: Egon Seconds (South Africa)