The Toyota Cheetahs take on Racing 92 in a clash for pride at the iconic Paris La Défense Arena on Sunday at 19:30 (SA time), where both sides enter the encounter in search of their first and only victory of the competition this season.
The Free Staters face a formidable challenge against the hosts, who, despite sitting near the lower reaches of the Top 14 standings, have recorded seven wins from 14 matches and remain unbeaten at home this season. Racing 92 will be determined to protect that record in Paris.
After the disappointment of last week’s cancelled clash against Ulster in the Netherlands, the Toyota Cheetahs will be eager to finish their campaign on a high.
Coach Frans Steyn: “We really gave ourselves a shot at still qualifying before the Ulster game. For all of us, we want to go out with a proper performance. If it is a win, it’s a win, and if it’s a loss, it’s a loss. We’re going to go out swinging and playing our style of rugby.”
As a former player, Steyn said, “ I know Racing – if they pitch on the day, then it will be difficult, but I have confidence in the guys that they will be up for it.”
The team that was selected for the game against Ulster will face Racing 92. A couple of changes were made from Round 2: Dux Manyama will start, with Cameron Dawson providing cover on the bench. Sisonke Vumazonke replace the injured Pierre Uys (face fracture), and Jaco van der Walt returns as flyhalf after a hamstring injury. The centres are Zander du Plessis and De-an Ackermann. Munier Hartzenberg will be wearing the number 14 jersey with James Verity-Amm on fullback.
Toyota Cheetahs: 1. Dux Manyama, 2. Louis van der Westhuizen (c), 3 Aranos Coetzee, 4. Carl Wegner, 5. Curtley Thomas, 6. Daniel Maartens, 7. Sisonke Vumazonke, 8 Gideon van der Merwe, 9. Marco Jansen van Vuren, 10. Jaco van der Walt, 11. Prince Nkabinde, 12. Zander du Plessis, 13. De-an Ackermann, 14. Munier Hartzenberg, 15. James Verity-Amm. Replacements: 16. Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17. Cameron Dawson, 18. Frankie Dos Reis, 19. Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 20. Arno van der Merwe, 21. Neels Volschenk, 22. Rewan Kruger, 23. Michael Annies.
Injuries: Players from Round 1 and 2 not available due to injury are Victor Sekekete and Pierre Uys (facial fractures) and Juan Venter (shoulder).