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Faf and Els get starting roles for Cheetahs in Challenge Cup opener

BLOEMFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA – : Faf de Klerk of the Toyota Free State Cheetahs during the Carling Currie Cup (Photo by Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images)

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Frans Steyn has revealed his matchday squad for Sunday’s Challenge Round One clash against Aviron Bayonnais in France.

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Carl Els is set to make his debut for the Cheetahs at No.8.

He joined the Bloemfontein squad following an impressive Currie Cup campaign with the Griquas.

Meanwhile, Tiaan Swanepoel will run the show at flyhalf, and his halfback partner will be Springbok star Faf de Klerk.

Steyn’s team will look to bring their trademark attacking intent and tempo to the contest.

Last season, the Cheetahs recorded one of the fastest average ruck speeds in the EPCR Challenge Cup, highlighting their ability to compete at the breakdown and move the ball quickly.

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Hooker Louis van der Westhuizen was a key contributor, leading the team in both carries (31) and tackles (37).

Cheetahs: 15 Henry Immelman, 14 Michael Annies, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Zander Du Plessis, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Tiaan Swanepoel, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Carl Els, 7 Simon Miller, 6 Neels Volschenk, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Frankie Dos Reis, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1 Matome Manyama.
Replacements: 16 Jaundre Schoeman, 17 Tebogo Nkosi, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Aidon Davis, 20 Siya Ningiza, 21 Erich Visser, 22 Cohen Jasper, 23 Marco Jansen van Vuren.

Date: Sunday, October 18
Venue: Stade Jean Dauger, Bayonne
Kick-off: 14.00 CEST (14.00 SAST; 12.00 GMT)
Referee: Sara Cox (England)
Assistant referees: Harry Walbaum (England), Jamie Leahy (England)
TMO: Peter Allan (Scotland)

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