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Van Jaarsveld returns for Cheetahs

The most notable modification is the return of Torsten van Jaarsveld on the bench.

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The hooker sustained a neck injury in June while he was playing for Namibia in the World Rugby Nations Cup.

Van Jaarsveld will provide cover on the bench for Jacques du Toit.

Charles Marais will be wearing the number one jersey, with Retshegofaditswe Nche providing cover on the bench.

Aranos Coetzee will be replacing Tom Botha at tight head prop.

There is also a new lock-pairing. Justin Basson and Reniel Hugo will replace Armandt Koster and Rynier Bernardo, respectively.

With Bernardo moves to the bench.

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At the loose trio, Paul Schoeman will move from the bench to the starting line-up on blind side while Gerhard Olivier takes the place of Teboho Mohoje at the open side.

And at the No.8 captain, Niell Jordaan will be replacing Jasper Wiese, who takes a spot on the bench.

In the backline, scrumhalf Tian Meyer returns to the starting line-up, while Zee Mkhabela moves to the bench.

Robbie Petzer makes his Currie Debute at pivot and will replace the injured Ryno Eksteen.

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Another debutant Ali Mgijima will take the spot of William Small-Smith at inside Centre while  Small-Smith switches to outside centre.

Speedster Rosko Speckman returns to the starting XV on the right wing.

Sergeal Petersen will be replacing Clayton Blommetjies, with Cecil Afrika providing cover on the bench.

New to the bench is Ryno Benjamin.

Free State Cheetahs: 15 Sergeal Petersen, 14 Rosko Specman, 13 William Small Smith, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Mkazole Mapimpi, 10 Robbie Petzer, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Niell Jordaan (captain), 7 Gerhard Olivier, 6 Paul Schoeman, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Jacques du Toit, 1 Charles Marais.

Replacements: 16 Retshegofaditswe Nche, 17 Torsten van Jaarsveld, 18 Rynier Bernardo, 19 Jasper Wiese, 20 Zee Mkhabela, 21 Ryno Benjamin, 22 Cecil Afrika

Date: Saturday, August 26

Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Kick-off: 17.15 (15.15 GMT)

Referee: Quinton Immelman

Assistant referees: Jaco Kotze, Darren Colby

TMO: Johan Greeff with Lourens van der Merwe

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