With rain expected, conditions could prove to be the great leveller in this Free State derby, making control up front even more crucial.

The Cheetahs have named a strong bench, which could play a vital role as they aim for back-to-back wins in the competition.

Cheetahs captain Victor Sekekete told OFM Sport composure and accuracy will be key, especially against the side known as the Purple People Eaters.

Sisonke Vumazonke. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Yeah, I think the rain is going to make it interesting, like you said, and it’s going to make it very exciting,” said Sekekete.

“It’s going to be direct rugby, and whoever wants it more will take it.

“With the rain, accuracy becomes important. You’ve got to avoid forcing things. We know they’ll want to move the ball around, so putting them under pressure will help us regain possession. We’re used to how it gets here in Bloem when it rains – it’s going to be a good derby.”

Sekekete also welcomed the return of several players from injury, noting that many of them are among the squad’s most valuable assets, even if some are still completing their rehabilitation.

“We’ve been battling with injuries for a while, but we’re glad to have most of the guys back now. Frans Steyn has really driven the message that players must step up when someone’s out, and I think everything is coming together nicely.

“It’s just about patience. As players, we know where we want to go, and hopefully, people will see the results – even if it comes at a certain cost.”

The Free State derby between the Cheetahs and Griffons kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday at the Toyota Stadium.

Cheetahs – 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Marco Janse van Vuren, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Michael Annies 10 Clayton Blommetjies, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Sisonke Vumazonke, 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1 Hencus van Wyk
 Replacements – 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 20 Neels Volschenk, 21 Daniel Maartens, 22 Jandré Nel, 23 Banie Britz

Griffons –15 Kyle Cyster 14 Christiaan Nel 13 Keanu Vers 12 Chris Hollis 11 Qamani Kota 10 Duan Pretorius (captain) 9 Richman Gora 8 Ulrich Stander 7 Thomas Ongera 6 Mingo Piti 5 Matt Gray 4 Lungi Mbiko 3 Buhle Nojekwa 2 Willem van den Hever 1 Xolani Jacobs
 Replacements – 16 Vernon Chadley Wenn, 17 Mthokozisi Gumede, 18 Junior Banda, 19 Curtly Thomas, 20 Calla Pienaar, 21 Jared Kruger, 22 Aphiwe Stemela, 23 Quan Eymann

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg