The most notable change is in the number six jersey, with Daniel Maartens starting at flank, while Corné Fourie has been named on the bench as cover at loosehead prop. 

Maartens replaces the injured Gideon van der Merwe (fractured ankle) in the starting team, while Fourie, who has often been utilised as a hooker by the Cheetahs, is more than comfortable playing as a loosehead prop. However, it has been quite some time since he last donned the number one (or 17) jersey.

In the backline, inside centre Ali Mgijima has passed his concussion protocol after taking himself out with a high-speed crash tackle in the game against Cardiff in December. He will run out at inside centre and partner Carel-Jan Coetzee in the midfield.

The New Orleans-bound Ruben de Haas will once again at scrumhalf and will form the halfback combination with Ethan Wentzel.

Exciting youngsters Sisonke Vumazonke, Jandré Nel, and Litha Nkula have all been named on the bench and will be looking to make an impact when called upon.

Daniel Maartens. Photo: Getty

The experienced flanker Friedle Olivier, who played off the bench against Cardiff, told OFM Sport that the onus is on the younger players to step up and use the opportunity they are being given.

“Injuries are unfortunately part of the game,” said Olivier.

“As you mentioned, we lost Gideon in that last game against Cardiff, as well as Oupa and Carl Wegner with his finger injury.

“They are players who bring a lot to the game with their physicality, experience, and mentality. But, as you said, it’s a great opportunity for the younger guys to step up, show what they can do, and prove they have what it takes to compete at this level.

Jandré Nel. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s a great opportunity for them, and I think they are ready for it. They’re all hungry for it. The offseason was a long one, and the boys worked hard for this chance. They just need to grab it now with both hands.”

Sunday’s round-three clash between the Cheetahs and Zebre at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam kicks off at 15:00.

Cheetahs – 15 Michael Annies, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Ruben de Haas, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Friedle Olivier, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Pieter Janse van Vuren, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 1 Hencus van Wyk

Replacements – 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Corné Fourie, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Pierre Uys, 20 Sisonke Vumazonke, 21 Jandré Nel, 22 Litha Nkula, 23 Cohen Jasper

 OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh