Hendro Scholtz, who was the Free State Cheetahs Currie Cup captain until he was injured a month ago, is back in the side for the match against Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.

Scholtz, who has recovered from his elbow injury suffered in Week Four, replaces Lucas Floors at flank, with the latter moving down to the replacement bench.

However, hooker Adriaan Strauss retains the captaincy after leading the Free State to three successive wins following their initial four defeats.

Coach Naka Drotske has also made a change in midfield, where Corne Uys comes back and Phillip Snyman moves to the bench. Uys will be the inside centre, with Robert Ebersohn moving to the outside.

Springbok prop Wian du Preez had a 30 minute run last weekend and scored a try in his comeback from injury, and is again on the bench - a welcome boost for the Cheetahs who face a strong Griquas pack that laid the platform for their win over neighbours Free State in the first Currie Cup match of the season.

Free State Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Danwel Demas, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Corne Uys, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 9 Jean-Pierre Joubert, 8 Frans Viljoen, 7 Hendro Scholtz, 6 Johan Wessels, 5 David de Villiers, 4 Nico Breedt, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Wian du Preez, 18 Izak van der Westhuizen, 19 Lucas Floors, 20 Tertius Carse, 21 Louis Strydom, 22 Phillip Snyman.

Date: Saturday, 29 August
Venue: GWK Park, Kimberley
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Peter Allen (Scotland)
Assistant referee: Mtheleni Msileni, Stefan Breytenbach
TMO: Michael Cupido