The Toyota Cheetahs will be looking to increase the gap between themselves and the chasing pack this afternoon when they host the NovaVit Griffons in Bloemfontein at 19h05.
The Toyota Cheetahs went down to the Cell C Sharks in Bloemfontein last week and may have a point to prove when they host the NovaVit Griffons in the Free State Derby.
A win against the bottom-placed side will ensure that Hawies Fourie’s charges stay in touch with the Airlink Pumas at the top of the standings.
Oupa Mohoje will be playing his 100th game for the Toyota Cheetahs this weekend.
The Toyota Cheetahs romped to a 52-12 win over the Northern Free State outfit earlier in the tournament. However, the Purple People Eaters have progressed since then and claimed a four-try bonus point in their recent defeat to Windhoek Draught Griquas.
This a special milestone for Toyota Cheetah stalwart Oupa Mohoje, who will play his 100th game on Friday evening. He'll be wearing the number 7 jersey, with George Lourens providing cover on the bench. Daniel Maartens be playing next to him.
Rewan Kruger will be the starting scrumhalf with Ruan Pienaar on reserve. The wings are Munier Hartzenberg and Andell Loubser.
Janus Venter, Jean Droste and George Lourens are new to the bench.
"Last week, it looked like we fell asleep at the wheel, and I think everyone has woken up now." Said Izak van der Westhuizen, Toyota Cheetahs Forwards Coach.
"Everyone realized that every game will be a big fight, and you need to pitch up for every single one. This week's focus has been good, and everyone has put much effort."
"It's also a bit personal; there's always a bit more in this clash. I think physically upfront, they've come a long way, so we're in for a good fight this Friday evening."
Teams:
Toyota Cheetahs: 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Andell Loubser, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Reinhardt Fortuin, 11 Munier Hartzenberg, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain ), 4 Rynier Bernardo, 3 Arnanos Coetzee, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Schalk Ferreira. Replacements: 16 Janus Venter, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Hencus van Wyk, 19 Jean Droste, 20 George Cronje, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Evardi Boshoff, 23George Lourens.
NovaVit Griffons: 15 Duren Hoffman, 14 Granwill Matthys, 13 CJ Coetzee, 12 Marquit September, 11 Jamba Ulengo, 10 Robbie Petzer, 9 Richman Gora, 8 Sokuphumla Xakalashe, 7 Thomas Ongera, 6 Jean Pretorius, 5 Curtly Thomas, 4 Jaco Willemse, 3 Buhle Nojekwa, 2 HP van Schoor, 1 Xolani Jacobs. Replacements: 16 Dandre Delport, 17 Stephan de Jager, 18 Doctor Booysen, 19 Michael Benadie, 20 Thato Mavundla, 21 Jaywinn Juries, 22 Duan Pretorius, 23 Keanu Vers.
