The Toyota Cheetahs are set to revert back to their first-choice team for Wednesday night’s Toyota Challenge game against Emerging Ireland in Bloemfontein.

The regular starters were rested for the game against the Griffons on Sunday, while some of those who played in the 45-21 win staked a claim at Wednesday night's encounter.

One of those is the winger, Prince Nkabinde, who scored a brace of tries following a lengthy injury he sustained during his debut game against the Griffons in Welkom.

The Cheetahs coach, Izak van der Westhuizen, told OFM Sport that Nkabinde put his hand up to play against the Irish.

“He got injured the last time we played against the Griffons in Welkom and since then he has been on the non-contact list for close to the whole season,” said Van der Westhuizen.

“He only returned to full contact training a couple of weeks ago. I think it was a good run for him on Sunday and he showed his potential in the Varsity Cup when it comes to scoring tries.

Sisonke Vumazonke. Photo: Morgan Piek

“He will mature and he will learn from this as well. The more you play, the more confidence you get. That’s what I think wingers need – the confidence to back themselves to go on the outside.”

Marko Janse van Rensburg, who also made his return against the Griffons following a lengthy injury is also set to play as backup to Corné Fourie, after Vernon Paulo picked up a serious injury on Sunday. With Oupa Mohoje out with a knee ligament injury, the exciting Sisonke Vumazonke also did enough to get another start. 

Jude Postlethwaite. Photo: Morgan Piek

Meanwhile, three of the Emerging Irish players have returned to their respective clubs for the upcoming Irish derbies in the United Rugby Championship. They are Sean O’Brien of Munster, Gus McCarthy of Leinster, and Jude Postlethwaite of Ulster. Leinster will host Munster in Dublin on Saturday, while Ulster will tackle Connacht at Ravenhill in Belfast.

Wednesday night’s game at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 19:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh