The Toyota Cheetahs have overhauled their starting line-up for Saturday’s Carling Currie Cup regular-season finale against the Airlink Pumas at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit at 14:00 SAST.
Head coach Frans Steyn made sweeping changes to the forward pack, with captain Neels Volschenk the only survivor in the jersey from last week's victory over the Boland Cavaliers. The match marks a major milestone for Volschenk and utility back Marco Jansen van Vuren, who are both set to earn their 50th caps for the franchise.
While the Cheetahs and Griquas have already locked down the top two spots and guaranteed home semi-finals, Steyn’s men are chasing the ultimate prize of top spot.
“It is nice to be in a position where we know that we have a home semi-final, but there is still the possibility of finishing at the top and having the opportunity to host a home final,” Steyn said. “We are in control of our own destiny. How we show up and how we play this weekend will depend on ourselves.”
The Pumas are fighting for survival in a frantic five-team race for the final two playoff berths, and a victory on home soil will guarantee the Nelspruit-based side a spot in the semi-finals. Steyn is under no illusions about the challenge ahead.
“The Pumas are a very physical team. They have a good kicking game and some quality players. When they get going, they also have a strong running game. We will have to match that in Nelspruit.”
For captain Volschenk, leading a heavily shifted pack into his milestone match brings confidence rather than concern. “The nice thing is to play in a pack that is moving forward," Volschenk said. "When your pack is going forward, your chances of winning the game are much greater than losing it.”
Toyota Cheetahs: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Michael Annies, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Jooste Nel, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Tiaan Swanepoel, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Neels Volschenk (c), 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Sisonke Vumazonke, 5 Carl Wegner, 4 Arno van der Merwe, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Stefan Venter, 1 Dux Manyama. Replacements: 16 Frankie Dos Reis, 17 Tielman Niewoudt, 18 John-Kelly Okonkwo, 19 Victor Sekekete, 20 Simon Miller, 21 Daniel Maartens, 22 Cohen Jasper, 23 Marco Jansen van Vuren.