The Toyota Cheetahs host Stade Français Paris today, Saturday, December 13 at 15:00 (SA Time) at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam, their designated European home ground.
The Toyota Cheetahs will look to build on their decent second-half showing against the Exeter Chiefs last week, which limited the English side to only one try after the break despite suffering a defeat.
However, the Free Staters will have to be much more effective on defence and use their chances on the attack to keep alive their hopes of securing a victory against the French outfit.
The French side is currently fourth in the Top 14 and had a convincing 38-17 win against Cardiff in their first European game. They arrive in Amsterdam in good form and will look to exploit any early nerves from the home side.
The Cheetahs are aiming for a bonus-point victory to revive their campaign. They have been forced to make key changes due to injuries, including the return of lock Victor Sekekete to South Africa with a facial fracture. Hooker Louis van der Westhuizen will continue to captain the side.
Toyota Cheetahs Head Coach Frans Steyn has stressed the need for his side to convert opportunities and defend better, highlighting that they need a win to keep their qualification hopes alive, while the visitors are in a stronger position domestically and come into the match with momentum after a dominant Round 1 performance.
Teams:
Toyota Cheetahs: 15 Michael Annies, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 De-an Ackermann, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 George Lourens, 9 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 8 Gideon van der Merwe, 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Juan Venter, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen (c), Cameron Dawson. Replacements: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17. Matome Manyama, 18. Frankie Dos Reis, 19.Curtley Thomas, 20. Sisonke Vumazonke, 21. Neels Volschenk, 22. Jandré Nel, 23. Clayton Blommetjies.
Stade Francais: 15 Mathis Ibo, 14 Charles Laloi, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Jeremy Ward (captain), 11 Andy Timo, 10. Louis Foursans-Bourdette, 9 Thibaut Motassi, 8 Iakopo Mapu, 7 Ryan Chapuis, 6 Juan-Martin Scelzo, 5 Jacques Botha, 4 Pierre-Henri Azagoh, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 2 Alvaro Garcia Albo, 1 Jack Iscaro. Replacements: 16 Lucas Peyresblanques, 17 Moses Alo-Emile, 18 Braxton Asi, 19 Mathieu Hirigoyen, 20.Setareki Turagacoke, 21 Noah Nene, 22 Martin Blum, 23 Joe Jonas.