Today’s final match of Round 10 of the Carling Currie Cup competition could turn into a proper catfight in Bloemfontein, where the Toyota Cheetahs host the Sigma Lions @ 19h00. These two sides are at the wrong end of the standings and will be giving their all to move up to keep their playoff aspirations alive.
Toyota Cheetahs and the Sigma Lions season can only be described as erratic, however, the Sigma Lions' struggle to play a decent second half could cost them again as the Cheetahs is a team that play for the full 80 minutes of the game.
In a shortened week of preparation for the Toyota Cheetahs, coach Hawies Fourie has made several changes for this match.
Cameron Dawson and Aluluthu Tshwakeni switch places in a rotational swop. Junior Pokomela will be replacing the injured Jeandre Rudolph and Jacques Potgieter is back in the starting line-up. Andisa Ntsila will be playing from the bench.
There are two changes in the backline: wings, Malcolm Jaer and Craig Barry will be replacing the injured Cohen Jasper and Duncan Saal.
Jaco Kriel will make his return when the Sigma Lions travel to Bloemfontein. Kriel, who has previously captained the Lions, will make his 51st appearance for the Joburg-based side when he takes to the field tomorrow night.
Another change to the side, which was victorious in Kimberley last week, is Junior Springbok, Henco van Wyk. This exciting centre, who scored two tries in the Lions u20s opening match against the Vodacom Bulls u20, will be making his Carling Currie Cup debut from the bench. Emmanuel Tshituka also returns from injury.
Due to pre-cautionary medical protocols, the Sigma Lions team to face the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein this evening will be captained by Burger Odendaal. Other forced changes see Emmanuel Tshituka and Fred Zeilinga move into the starting line-up. On the bench Lunga Ncube (lock), Travis Gordon and Mark Snyman (flankers) are called to action
Prediction: Toyota Cheetahs by 10.
Toyota Cheetahs: 15. Clayton Blommetjies, 14. Craig Barry, 13. David Brits, 12. Siya Masuku, 11. Malcolm Jaer, 10. Reinhardt Fortuin, 9. Ruan Pienaar (C), 8. Aidon Davis, 7. Jacques Potgieter, 6. Junior Pokomela, 5. Jean Droste, 4. Rynier Bernardo, 3. Aranos Coetzee, 2. Marnus van der Merwe, 1. Cameron Dawson. Replacements: 16. Louis van der Westhuizen, 17. Aluluthu Tshakweni, 18. Hencus van Wyk, 19. Victor Sekekete, 20. Andisa Ntsila, 21. Mihlali Mosi, 22. Tian Meyer, 23. Chris Smit.
Sigma Lions: 15. Fred Zeilinga, 14. Stean Pienaar, 13. Wandisile Simelane, 12. Burger Odendaal (c), 11. Rabz Maxwane, 10. Jordan Hendrikse, 9. Andre Warner, 8. Ruhan Straueli, 7. Emmanuel Tshituka, 6. Sibusiso Sangweni , 5. Reinhard Nothnagel, 4. Ruben Schoeman, 3. Ruan Dreyer, 2. Jaco Visagie, 1. Sti Sithole. Replacements: 16. PJ Botha, 17. Nathan McBeth, 18. Carlu Sadie, 19. Lunga Ncubea, 20. Travis Gordon, 21. Mark Snyman, 22. Ross Cronje, 23. Henco van Wyk.