Free State Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske has made two changes to the team to face defending Currie Cup champions the Sharks at Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein on Friday, with former Griquas No.8 Frans Viljoen and Springbok wing Jongi Nokwe being included in the starting line-up.
Viljoen comes in for the injured Johan Wessels (thigh) while Nokwe replaces Lionel Mapoe, who returns to the Free State under 21 side this week.
Nokwe was omitted from the line-up that faced Western Province last week as the Cheetahs tried to counter Province's kicking game but his inclusion this week suggests that they will be looking to spread the ball a bit more.
The Cheetahs will miss Wessels' breakdown ability but Viljoen does bring a physical edge to the loose-trio. Izak van der Westhuizen will take Viljoen's place on the bench.
Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Danwel Demas, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Corne Uys, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 9 Tertius Carse, 8 Francois Uys, 7 Hendro Scholtz (captain), 6 Frans Viljoen, 5 David de Villiers, 4 Nico Breedt, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Wian du Preez. Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Izak van der Westhuizen, 19 Kabamba Floors, 20 JP Joubert, 21 Louis Strydom, 22 JW Jonker.
Date: Friday, July 31
Venue: Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 19.10
iafrica.com's Rob Peters finds himself embracing the hills in his latest Trail Series race.
Heyneke Meyer must be allowed to work unhindered as Springbok coach, writes Rob Peters.
Three races into the Summer Series and Rob Peters is still battling with some technical issues.
