Blommetjies will hit 150 mark for Cheetahs against Sharks

The Toyota Cheetahs are back at Toyota Stadium on Friday when they host the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV in Round 2 of the Carling Currie Cup.

Kick-off is at 5pm, with the match broadcast live on SuperSport Rugby (Channel 201).

Friday's fixture marks a special milestone for fullback Clayton Blommetjies, who will make his 150th appearance for the Cheetahs.

Blommetjies made his debut for the Free State side in 2014 and has since become one of the union's most loyal players. His 150 appearances comprise 29 Super Rugby matches (his 10 appearances for the Central Cheetahs franchise, consisting of the Cheetahs, Griquas and Griffons, are not included as official Cheetahs caps), 71 Currie Cup matches, 25 PRO14 matches, five Super Rugby Unlocked matches, three Franchise Cup matches, 11 SA Cup matches, one international fixture against Georgia, three Toyota Challenge matches and one EPCR Challenge Cup match.

Reflecting on the milestone, Blommetjies said: “Free State is home. This is where everything started for me. I love the brand of rugby we play here – running rugby. It's the type of rugby I grew up with in the Boland. It is a privilege and an honour to run onto the field for my 150th game for the Toyota Cheetahs. But this game is not about me. Our focus is to go out there, earn the five points, build momentum and continue preparing for the second leg of the Toyota Challenge and the EPCR Challenge Cup later this year.”

Supporters can once again look forward to an exciting matchday experience. Stadium gates open at 1pm, with live entertainment by Wim die Bliksem on the DJ deck next to the field before kick-off, followed by a performance by his band, Zebra, at the Castle Deck after the match.

Tickets are available online via Ticketpro or from the Toyota Stadium ticket office.

Toyota owners can enjoy free parking in the designated Toyota parking area at Gate 1 on Att Horak Avenue. Parking is limited and supporters are encouraged to arrive early.

During the match, five lucky supporters will have the opportunity to participate in the Kloppers Expert Kick to Win competition, where contestants attempt to land a rugby ball into one of eight bins to reveal a hidden prize.

Looking ahead to Friday's clash, head coach Frans Steyn stressed the importance of returning to the team's foundations.

“We need to focus on our processes and our systems. The younger players coming through our different squads are incredibly talented and we need to be at the top of our game. We're looking for a quality performance on Friday. We also want Toyota Stadium to be full by the end of the Currie Cup, and the only way to achieve that is by playing good rugby, winning games and getting the fundamentals right.”

Steyn has made several changes to the side that faced the Fidelity ADT Lions in the opening round as the Cheetahs look to keep their 100% record intact.

Toyota Cheetahs starting XV: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Michael Annies, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Prince Nkabinde; 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Faf de Klerk; 8 Neels Volschenk (capt), 7 Juan Venter, 6 Ramon Uys; 5 Curtly Thomas, 4 Victor Sekekete; 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Tielman Nieuwoudt. Replacements: 16 Juan Smal, 17 Tebogo Nkosi, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Simon Miller, 20 Sisonke Vumazonke, 21 Daniel Maartens, 22 Marco Janse van Vuren, 23 Henry Immelman.

Hollywoodbets Sharks XV starting XV: 15 Chijindu Okonta, 14 Christie Grobbelaar, 13 Marnus Potgieter, 12 Janco Purchase, 11 Lyle Matthews; 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Ross Braude; 8 Thomas Dyer (capt), 7 Danilo Botha, 6 Willem van den Hever; 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Johan Momsen; 3 Simphiwe Ngobese, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Cameron Dawson. Replacements: 16 Bryce Calvert, 17 Jaco du Toit, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 Sipho Nonyalela, 20 Hanu Pieterse, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Chris Horak, 23 Matthew Fortuin.