Steyn makes bold Faf de Klerk call for Griquas clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk has been named among the replacements after Cheetahs head coach Frans Steyn made sweeping changes to his side for Friday night’s Currie Cup derby against Griquas in Kimberley.
De Klerk, who returned to South African rugby this season, makes way for Rewan Kruger at scrumhalf in one of several changes to the starting XV, while experienced flyhalf Jaco van der Walt also drops to the bench.
Steyn has refreshed his backline with Henry Immelman starting at fullback, Cohen Jasper on the right wing and Carel Jan Coetzee at outside centre. Jooste Nel comes into the No.12 jersey, while Ethan Wentzel takes over the No.10 role.
Up front, Victor Sekekete captains the side from lock, partnering Simon Miller in the second row. Frankie Dos Reis and Juan Smal are recalled to the front row alongside loosehead Tebogo Nkosi.
Despite the changes, Steyn insists his side is ready for what promises to be a stern examination in their first away fixture of the Currie Cup campaign.
“This is our first away game, and it will be tough,” said Steyn.
“We have a plan, and hopefully the one we have in place will work for us. There is opportunity for us.”
The unbeaten Cheetahs will be aiming to maintain their perfect start to the season, while Griquas will look to build on last week’s commanding victory over the Bulls in what promises to be another fiercely contested central South African derby.
Cheetahs: 15 Henry Immelman, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Carel Jan Coetzee, 12 Jooste Nel, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Neels Volschenk, 7 Juan Venter, 6 Ramon Uys, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Simon Miller, 3 Frankie Dos Reis, 2 Juan Smal, 1 Tebogo Nkosi.
Replacements: 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Tielman Niewoudt, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Daniel Maartens, 20 Sisonke Vumazonke, 21 Faf de Klerk, 22 Jaco van der Walt, 23 Michael Annies
Date: Friday, July 31
Venue: Suzuki Stadium, Kimberley
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Christopher Allison
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