The latest news out of the camp is that the versatile winger/fullback, Malcom Jaer, has once again been side-lined.

This time the exciting player has been side-lined with a broken hand and this could mean that he will be a spectator for up to six weeks.

Earlier in the season, Jaer played just two Currie Cup games for the Cheetahs before being ruled out for a very lengthy spell, with a serious leg injury which resulted in surgery to his shin.

Jaer sustained the most recent injury during the side's last minute 27-26 loss to the Ospreys on Saturday in Swansea, however, it was only upon the team's arrival that the pain started increasing, resulting in him being diagnosed with the fracture.

At this stage, Duncan does have a few options to cover on the wing for Jaer, and it could be a toss-up between Luther Obi and the less experienced Rabs Maxwane starting. Both players joined the Cheetahs from the Blue Bulls.

Obi himself recently recovered from a fractured arm he sustained during the side's win over the champions, Scarlets, in December.

Another option could see AJ Coertzen being drafted into the match-23 after missing the three-week tour to Wales and Scotland.

The other major change to the side that played last week will be at scrumhalf. Shaun Venter has finally had surgery to his troublesome groin, and it could mean that his season is a thing of the past. On the flip side of the coin, Tian Meyer is fit and ready after his groin injury and he is looking sharp in training.

Having been away from the game for just about three months, Meyer will likely feature off the bench with Zee Mkabela earning a rare start for the team.

The last time these two sides met was on 4 November in Galway when Connacht beat the Cheetahs 23-15.

Both the Cheetahs and the Connacht teams will be named on Friday afternoon.

Saturday evening’s match at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein kicks off at 19:35.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport