Cheetahs ready to claim Free State bragging rights

On Saturday the Toyota Cheetahs will face the Novavit Griffons in a battle of the Free State SA Cup home game. The match in Toyota Stadium kicks-off at 3pm and gates open at 12pm0, followed by a club rugby curtain raiser between the Old Greys II and Steyners I at 12.15pm.

Buy your tickets before 4.30pm on Friday and stand a chance to win meal and drink vouchers.

Tickets are R50 for the main stand, R30 for the open stand, and only R20 for students and kids. Tickets are available online at www.ticketpro.co.za or the ticket office in Toyota Stadium.

Free parking is available inside Toyota Stadium if you drive a Toyota with a valid match ticket. Enter from gate 1 in Att Horak Avenue. Supporters are urged to come early.

The good news is that the barriers in front of the stands have been removed. Fans are urged not to rush onto the field immediately after the final whistle for the safety of our players, officials and fellow supporters. Enter the field only through the designated blue gates and follow the announcer’s instructions. Do not jump over the walls! Everyone’s cooperation is greatly appreciated in keeping our stadium a safe and enjoyable space for all.

Director of Rugby and Head Coach of the Toyota Cheetahs, Frans Steyn, announced his team with a couple of changes from last weekend’s game against Eastern Province.

Hencus van Wyk, Louis van der Westhuizen and Aranos Coetzee will start in the front row, with Cameron Dawson, Vernon Paulo, and Robert Hunt covering the bench.

Carl Wegner is back in the No 4 jersey with Pieter Jansen van Vuren on reserve. Andisa Ntsila will start on flank. Daniel Maartens is on the bench. Michael Annies moves to left wing and Cohen Jasper is fullback. Banie Britz is among the replacements.

The referee for the match is Sean Muller. He will be assisted by Clearance Khumalo and Ashton Ockhuys.

Toyota Cheetahs starting XV: 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Michael Annies; 10 Clayton Blommetjies, 9 Rewan Kruger; 8 Sisonke Vumazonke, 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Andisa Ntsila; 5 Victor Sekekete (capt), 4 Carl Wegner; 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1 Hencus van Wyk. Replacements: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 20 Neels Volschenk, 21 Daniel Maartens, 22 Jandre Nel, 23 Banie Britz.

Players not available due to injury: Gideon van der Merwe (ankle), Ethan Wentzel (back), Munier Hartzenberg (hamstring), Franco Smith (hamstring), Carel-Jan Coetzee (knee), Andell Loubser (hip).