The Cheetahs' loose-forward department was put to the test in recent times due to injuries to several players; however, Gideon van der Merwe, Andisa Ntsila and Oupa Mohoje are all fit or close to returning to training.

The Cheetahs' assistant coach, Charl Strydom, told OFM Sport that this will be important ahead of the busy season.

"It's great to have all of those players available, about a month ago we hardly had three loose-forwards to play for us," said Strydom.

"It was kind of a juggling act. They are currently busy with the medical department to discuss the way forward.

"Andisa and Gideon both trained with us before we left to go across to Europe for those two games.

"It's a big quality to come back from injury and we are going to need it.

"I think the plan is to field two different sides for the warm-up games against the Griffons and Sharks. "That would obviously give them a bit of game time and get them used to that contact load again.

"It should stand us in good stead when we choose the team to travel to Toulon, and the Currie Cup will be going on at the same time."

In addition, the seasoned Springboks Frans Steyn and Ruan Pienaar are expected to be fit and available for the start of the Currie Cup and the big game against Toulon.

Strydom added that Pienaar is already in training while Steyn will be available for the start of the world’s oldest domestic rugby competition.

"Regarding Ruan and Frans - Frans should be ready for the first Currie Cup game as well, and Ruan is already on the training field.

"It's a nice mix of players that we are going to be getting back for the Currie Cup and then also for that game against Toulon.

"I think for the first time in a while we will have the whole squad to choose from."

The Cheetahs will begin their 2023 campaign on 11 March against the Griquas in Kimberley.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek