Bok scrummie set for Pro14 debut
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Springboks discard Rudy Paige has been named on the Cheetahs bench for their Pro14 match against Benetton.
The former Bulls scrumhalf Paige will be making his PRO14 debut when he sets foot onto the field.
Malcolm Jaer returns to his regular position, with Rhyno Smith on the right wing. William Small-Smith will be providing cover on the bench.
Justin Basson will be starting at lock, with Walt Steenkamp alongside him at number 5. Sintu Manjesi will be on the bench.
Daniel Maartens is the starting No.8.
Marnus van der Merwe will be replacing Reinach Venter on the bench.
The teams met for the first time in January in Treviso, and Benetton ground out a 27-21 victory. This narrow defeat, combined with the fact that Benetton come off back-to-back losses will undoubtedly give the hosts confidence as they look to power their way up the standings after a slow start to the season.
The home team’s attack has been marginally better than that of the Italians so far this season, but the visitors’ defence has been superior with 13 fewer tries conceded in their eight matches.
“I believe Benetton is a positive side and we can exhibit a good brand of rugby that everybody loves. We are looking forward to Saturday,” said Franco Smith, Head Coach of the Cheetahs.
“Marnus van der Merwe and Rudi Paige bring new energy to the team,”
Cheetahs: 15 Malcolm Jaer, 14 Rhyno Smith, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 Nico Lee, 11 Rabz Maxwane, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Shaun Venter (captain), 8 Daniel Maartens, 7 Junior Pokomela, 6 Herhard Olivier, 5 Walt Steenkamp, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Charles Marais, 18 Erich de Jager, 19 Sinthu Manjezi, 20 Abongile Nonkontwana, 21 Rudy Paige, 22 Louis Fouche, 23 William Small-Smith
Benetton Rugby: 15 Angelo Esposito, 14 Marco Zanon, 13 Tommaso Iannone, 12 Ignacio Brex, 11 Monty Ioane, 10 Ian McKinley, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Marco Barbini (captain), 7 Michele Lamaro, 6 Giovanni Pettinelli, 5 Federico Ruzza, 4 Irné Herbst, 3 Giuseppe Di Stefano, 2 Tomas Baravalle, 1 Nicola Quaglio.
Replacements: 16 Hame Faiva, 17 Derrick Appiah, 18 Marco Riccioni, 19 Niccolò Cannone, 20 Marco Lazzaroni, 21 Giorgio Bronzini, 22 Antonio Rizzi, 23 Alberto Sgarbi
Date: Saturday, November 24
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 14.30 (12.30 GMT, 13.30 Italian Time)
Referee: Craig Evans (Wales)
Assistant referees: Ben Crouse, Jaco Kotze (both South Africa)
TMO: Johan Greeff (South Africa)
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