The Toyota Cheetahs are in France and set to make their long-awaited return to top-class rugby when they face Paloise on Saturday, 10 December, at the Stade du Hameau in Pau at 15:00 (SA time).
The Toyota Cheetahs last featured in the Guinness PRO14 competition in the 2020/21 season, where they finished in fourth place on the Conference A log with six wins in 13 matches.
Pau - or Section Paloise - as they are formally known, have a formidable squad, including former Cheetahs prop Maks van Dyk. Some well-known faces for South African viewers, including New Zealander Luke Whitelock and Australian Jack Maddocks, will be tough opposition for the Bloemfontein side.
Coach Hawies Fourie said: "Pau play with high intensity, and they are a skilful team. They are not afraid to attack and to put you under pressure."
"This game will definitely be a step up for us. We also like to play high intensity so that it will suit us. We need to execute well what we plan to do."
"We know that there is a lot of pressure and expectations from the outside, and we have a responsibility to do well. We can now measure ourselves against these guys. It is a privilege to have the opportunity, and we'll make the best of it."
"We're trying to use the player's skills as well as we can in the conditions they are going to play in."
Toyota Cheethas: 15. Frans Steyn, 14. Daniel Kasende, 13. David Brits, 12. Reinhardt Fortuin, 11. Tapiwa Mafura, 10. Siya Masuku, 9. Ruan Pienaar, 8. Friedle Olivier, 7. Oupa Mohoje, 6. Jeandrè Rudolph, 5. Victor Sekekete, 4. Mzwanele Zito, 3. Aranos Coetzee, 2. Louis van der Westhuizen, 1. Schalk Ferreira. Replacements: 16. Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17. Mzamo Majola, 18. Hencus van Wyk, 19. Rynier Bernardo, 20. Sibabalo Qoma, 21. Daniel Maartens, 22. Rewan Kruger, 23. Robert Ebersohn.
