The only changes to the starting XV come in the forwards. Sisonke Vumazonke shifts from eighth-man to flank, with Pierre Uys rotating to the bench. Neels Volschenk returns to the starting line-up and will pack down at the back of the scrum, while Andisa Ntsila retains the number six jersey for the fixture.

In the second row, Carl Wegner and Pieter Jansen van Vuren will start at lock, with regular captain Victor Sekekete set to make an impact off the bench. The Namibian international hooker, Chucky van der Westhuizen, will captain the team.

Michael Annies. Photo: Morgan Piek

Up front, Cameron Dawson earns his first start of the year after making his return from injury off the bench against the Griffons last week. Hencus van Wyk, who can cover both loosehead and tighthead, is being rested – opening the door for Banele Mthenjane to show what he can do after a strong showing in training.

The Cheetahs have opted for an extra backline player on the bench, with Raegan Oranje returning after missing out against the Griffons.

Versatile back James Verity-Amm has been named as player number 24 for the week. Should a late injury arise overnight or during warm-ups, he could make his first appearance in nearly a year, having recovered from a serious knee injury suffered against this same SWD Eagles side in George.

Winger Michael Annies told OFM Sport that it’s crucial for the backline to step up this week, especially heading into their short break before facing the Valke.

“Firstly, I think we’ve had a great week, so there’s no need for the boys to stress,” said the former Junior Springbok.

“We just need to carry the momentum from training into the game, and then we’ll be fine. As backs, we know we need to lift our game. We spoke about it this week – we owe the forwards one.

“This match is a big one for us before the break. It’ll set the tone for our next outing. But I think the boys are in a good space — they’re up for it.”

Prince Nkabinde and Smiley Nel. Photo: Morgan Piek

Last year, the Cheetahs beat the SWD Eagles 46–14 at Outeniqua Park. A win this week is non-negotiable, as the race to the semi-finals — and qualification for the Currie Cup Premier Division — begins to heat up.

Meanwhile, the Namibian international flyhalf Tiaan Swanepoel has left the Cheetahs for now. He may return later. Amendments to SA Rugby's Competition Rules need to be ratified - one of those is increasing the number of foreigners allowed on the books of a union from two to five. 

Saturday’s game at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein kicks off at 15:00.

Cheetahs - 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Michael Annies, 10 Clayton Blommetjies, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Neels Volschenk, 7 Sisonke Vumazonke, 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Carl Wegner, 4 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen (captain), 1 Cameron Dawson

Replacements - 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Banele Mthenjane, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Victor Sekekete, 20 Pierre Uys, 21 Raegan Oranje, 22 Jandré Nel, 23 Banie Britz

SWD Eagles - 15 Roshwin Abrahams, 14 Kirwan Cupido, 13 JP Duvenhage, 12 Edwin Sass, 11 Rosco Syster, 10 Marlo Weich, 9 Sachin Toring, 8 Michael Cloete, 7 Dian Basson, 6 Damon Royle, 5 Mncedisi Dlwengu (captain), 4 Azola Mati, 3 Hlomla Zondani, 2 Marci Fuhri, 1 Tandolwetu Matolengwe

Replacements - 16 Stephan Leonard, 17 Cole Haggard, 18 Cecil Rittels, 19 Ethan Stuurman, 20 Wayne Khan, 21 Arden-Lee Meyer, 22 Quaid Langeveldt, 23 Keano Langeveldt, 24 Christo Swanepoel

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek