Cheetahs welcome back a few stalwarts for crucial Durban trip

Cheetahs mentor Hawies Fourie has welcomed back several first-choice options for Wednesday's Currie Cup showdown with the Sharks in Durban.

The timing couldn't have been more appropriate given that this trip to the coast could be a defining juncture in their campaign.

The Free Staters currently sit at the summit of the log as the only unbeaten side in the hallowed domestic tournament, but could drop down if they stumble against the Durbanites, who suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of the Bulls last week.

Stalwart fullback Clayton Blommetjies is back, with Cohen Jasper - who deputised for him last week against Western Province - shifting to left wing, where he replaces the injured Malcolm Jaer.

Despite stating previously that he wants to give all of his options at outside centre some game-time, Fourie seemingly considers David Brits and the evergreen Frans Steyn his preferred midfield combination, the former replacing Evardi Boshoff.

Andisa Ntsila swops places with Jeandre Rudolph at blinside flank, while Aidon Davis is back from injury to front up at lock.

Marne Coetzee is handed the No 3 jersey in place of the exprienced Namibian, Aranos Coetzee.

"It's nice having a few stalwarts back," said Fourie.

"We've had some injuries and Covid cases in the camp before last week's game, which was a bit disruptive. It probably contributed to our poor performance against Province, even though we won. 

"Our planning has been as such that we targeted being unbeaten in this first section of the Currie Cup and we owe it to ourselves to end it on a good note in Durban."

Kick-off at King's Park is at  17:45.

15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Dan Kasende, 13 David Brits, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Cohen Jasper, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Ruan Pienaar