Cheetahs ready to go out swinging against Racing 92

On Sunday the Toyota Cheetahs take on Racing 92 in a clash for pride at the iconic Paris La Défense Arena.

Both sides enter the encounter in search of their first and only victory in 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 Cheetahs will be eager to finish their campaign on a high.

Coach Frans Steyn said: “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.

“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,” said the former Racing 92 player.

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 No 14 jersey with James Verity-Amm on fullback.

Toyota Cheetahs starting XV: 15 James Verity-Amm, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 De-an Ackermann, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Prince Nkabinde; 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Marco Jansen van Vuren; 8 Gideon van der Merwe, 7 Sisonke Vumazonke, 6 Daniel Maartens; 5 Curtley Thomas, 4 Carl Wegner; 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen (capt), 1 Dux Manyama. 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.

Racing 92 v Toyota Cheetahs - Sunday @ La Defense Arena, Paris (7.30pm)

Referee: Ben Breakspear (Wales)

TV: SuperSport