Cheetahs v Black Lion – Teams and Prediction
PREVIEW: The Cheetahs are determined to bounce back when they take on Georgia’s Black Lion in the second Challenge Series fixture on Sunday at the Toyota Stadium.
Bloemfontein suffered a narrow 38-39 defeat to the visitors last weekend after leading 21-15 at half-time.
Black Lion stormed back to claim an eight-point advantage, and despite tries from replacement hooker Marko Janse van Rensburg and winger Prince Nkabinde, a missed touchline conversion from Cohen Jasper sealed the Cheetahs’ fate.
The Challenge Series serves as preparation for Europe’s Challenge Cup, with both teams invited to compete in December 2025 and January 2026.
Sunday’s fixture will kick off after a legends match between the Cheetahs and the Bulls.
The first Challenge Series was held in 2021, providing the Cheetahs with the opportunity to play opponents they would regularly face in competitions.
In 2021, they faced Diables from Barcelona, the Sharks and Baia Mare from Romania. In 2022, they played against Emerging Ireland, the USA National A side and the Griquas. In 2023, the Western Force travelled to Bloemfontein for two games, while the Cheetahs visited Perth, Australia, for two more tough games.
Through the Challenge Cup, the Cheetahs formed and fostered strong relationships with clubs worldwide.
Last year, the Cheetahs faced Western Force, the Griffons, and Emerging Ireland for a second year.
The loosehead prop, Tebogo Nkosi is set to make his Cheetahs debut off the bench. The Junior Springbok is the only new player in the matchday 23.
Nkosi toured with the Junior Springboks to Georgia earlier this year and now gets to make his senior debut against a Georgian team.
“The excitement is beyond words, considering everything I’ve been through to get here,” said the Middelburg-born prop to OFM.
“Last year, I didn’t even think I’d be here at this time. But so many blessings have come my way this year, from being in the Junior Springbok squad to now, at 20 years old, making my debut for the club I signed for and the club that has my heart.
“I really feel grateful, more than anything. I’m blessed beyond what I can even imagine. It’s an exciting time for my career and a great opportunity to show who I am for my club and the coaches who backed me to make this game happen.”
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Prediction:
Rugby365: Black Lion by seven points
Teams
Cheetahs: 15 Michael Annies, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Marco Janse van Vuren, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Makhaza Ntokozo, 10 Franco Smith, 9 Jandre Nel, 8 Sisonke Vumazonke, 7 Pierre Raymond Uys, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Juan Venter, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1 Tielman Niewoudt
Replacements: 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Tebogo Nkosi, 18 Frankie Dos Reis, 19 Arno van der Merwe, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Clayton Blommetjies, 23 James Verity-Amm.
Black Lion: 15 Luka Takaishvili, 14 Akaki Tabutsadze, 13 Tornike Kakhoidze, 12 Lasha Malaguradze, 11 Otar Metreveli, 10 Luka Tsirekidze, 9 Tengiz Pranidze, 8 Giorgi Sinauridze, 7 Giorgi Tsutskiridze, 6 Sandro Mamamtavrishvili, 5 Demur Epremidze, 4 Mikheil Babunashvili (captain), 3 Kakhaber Darbaidze, 2 Irakli Kvatadze, 1 Dato Abdushelishvili
Replacements: 16 Shalva Mamukashvili, 17 Vasil Kokovin, 18 Giorgi Chkhartishvili, 19 Guga Ganiashvili, 20 Lasha Tsikhistavi, 21 Giorgi Kervalishvili, 22 Giorgi Spanderashvili, 23 Alexander Todua.
Date: Sunday, October 26
Venue: Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 15.00 (17.00 Georgia time; 13.00 GMT)
Referee: Hanru van Rooyen
Assistant Referees: Scott Oliver, Clearance Khumalo
TMO: Ben Crouse
Source: OFM
