After stumbling against the Sharks to a 24-17 defeat last week, the Cheetahs are determined to get off to a strong start this evening. 

Player management has been heavily emphasised for the Cheetahs as they enter the second half of their Currie Cup campaign. Many of the players have been on the field week in and week out and the Cheetahs will be using this week to rest some of their players. 

The Toyota Cheetahs made a few changes to their team for tonight's Currie Cup game. In the backline, Andell Loubser will start on the wing, while Rewan Kruger will start at scrumhalf. Stalwart Oupa Mohoje, who will be playing in his 100th game for the Cheetahs, will don the number 7 jersey, starting on flank. George Lourens will provide cover for Mohoje on the bench and Daniel Maartens will be playing next to him.

Janus Venter, Jean Drosté and George Cronjé are all also named on the bench as the Cheetahs rest several of their players.

Currently, the Cheetahs are in second on the Currie Cup log with 26 points. Just 3 points behind the reigning champions, the Airlink Pumas, who stand in first with 29 points. The Griffons stand in 8th at the moment and have thus far, only won one of their games in the tournament. 

For the Griffons, Jaywin Juries and Dandre Delport will play off the bench this week while captain, Jean Pretorius will start at flank. 

The previous Free State derby saw the Cheetahs take a 52-12 victory over the Griffons. This week will require the same energy from the home side as they enter into a must win in order to secure a home semi-final. 

The Griffons on the other hand are keen to learn from their mistakes in order to make a success of tonight’s campaign as well the second half of the tournament. 

The rest of the Currie Cup schedule for the weekend continues tomorrow, the 29th of April, with the Sharks against the Griquas at 13:30 and Western Province against the Blue Bulls at 18:30.

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport