Cheetahs bring in experienced flyhalf as they target strong Euro finish
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs have named their team that will take on Racing 92 in a clash for pride at the iconic Paris La Défense Arena on Sunday.
Both sides enter the encounter in search of their first and only victory of the competition this season.
The Free Staters face a formidable challenge against the hosts, who, despite sitting near the lower reaches of the Top 14 standings, have recorded seven wins from 14 matches and remain unbeaten at home this season. Racing 92 will be determined to protect that record in Paris.
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The team that was selected for the game against Ulster will face Racing 92.
A couple of changes were made from Round 2 fixtures. Dux Manyama will start, with Cameron Dawson providing cover on the bench. Sisonke Vumazonke replace the injured Pierre Uys (face fracture), and Jaco van der Walt returns as flyhalf after a hamstring injury.
The centres are Zander du Plessis and De-an Ackermann. Munier Hartzenberg will be wearing the number 14 jersey with James Verity-Amm on fullback.
Cheetahs: 15 James Verity-Amm, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 De-an Ackermann, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Marco Janse van Vuren, 8 Gideon van der Merwe, 7 Sisonke Vumazonke, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Curtley Thomas, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen (captain), 1 Dux Manyama
Replacements: 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Frankie Dos Reis, 19 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 20 Arno van der Merwe, 21 Neels Volschenk, 22 Rewan Kruger, 23 Michael Annies
Date: Sunday, January 18
Venue: Paris La Defense Arena, Paris
Kick-off: 18.30 (17.30 GMT; 19.30 SA Time)
Referee: Ben Breakspear (Wales)
Assistant referees: Craig Evans (Wales) & Gareth Newman (Wales)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (Wales)