The Airlink Pumas will host the Toyota Cheetahs in a crucial Carling Currie Cup Premier Division clash at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday, with kick-off at 14:00 SAST.
Captain Willie Engelbrecht leads a side that features several changes from last week’s outing against Suzuki Griquas. Clinton Swart returns at flyhalf in place of Nevaldo Fleurs, André Goedhals starts at openside flank in place of Ruwald van der Merwe, and Zukisa Sali comes in at loosehead prop, with Etienne Janeke dropping to the bench.
The backline remains largely intact, with Jaycee Nel at fullback, Darren Adonis and Banie Britz on the wings, Sango Xamlashe and Wian van Niekerk in the centres, and Thomas Bursey at scrumhalf. The lock pairing of Tiaan de Klerk and JJ Scheepers is unchanged, as is Thabo Ndimande on the blindside.
On the bench, Gustav du Rand is named at hooker cover, Stephan Krugel provides lock/loose-forward options, and Ntsika Fisanti is among the back-row replacements.
Clinton Swart’s previous starting role sees Tino Swanepoel and Russwell Fredericks among the backline reserves.
The encounter forms part of the final round of league fixtures, with playoff implications still in play. The Pumas sit third on the log after six matches and should secure a home semi-final with a win over the Cheetahs.
Teams:
Airlink Pumas: 15 Jaycee Nel, 14 Darren Adonis, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Wian van Niekerk, 11 Banie Britz, 10 Clinton Swart, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (c), 7 Andre Goedhals, 6 Thabo Ndimande, 5 Tiaan de Klerk, 4 JJ Scheepers, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Chyle van Zyl, 1 Zukisa Sali. Replacements: 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Etienne Janeke, 18 Junior Banda, 19 Stephan Krugel, 20 De Wet Marais, 21 Ntsika Fisanti, 22 Tino Swanepoel, 23 Russwell Fredericks.