Faf de Klerk starts for Cheetahs against Lions

The Toyota Cheetahs Carling Currie Cup campaign kicks off on Sunday at 1pm when they face the Fidelity ADT Lions. The action will be live on SuperSport channel 211.

Supporters can also look forward to a festive matchday atmosphere packed with rugby and entertainment. Gates open at 10am, with live entertainment by Jo Black before the game at the Castle Deck, family-friendly activities and food vendors at the new Food Court at Gate 5.

Tickets are available online via Ticketpro or from the Toyota Stadium ticket office. Prices are R100 for adults on the main stand, R60 for adults on the open stand and R30 for kids. Students only pay R35 in the designated area.

Please note that Toyota Stadium is cash-free.

Toyota drivers can enjoy free parking in the designated Toyota parking area at Gate 1 on Att Horak Avenue (limited space available, early arrival recommended).

During the match, five lucky supporters will also get the chance to take part in the Kloppers Expert Kick to Win competition, where participants attempt to land a ball into one of eight bins to win a hidden prize.

Head coach Frans Steyn has named his team for the encounter and shared his thoughts on the encounter.

"I'm positive about the season. We had a couple of injuries but most of the players are back. Everyone is fit and training and there's a good vibe in the camp.

"The Lions are a quality outfit and are well coached. We can only control what is in our hands: preparing and executing our plans well. I think all the teams in this year's Currie Cup are well-coached and have good players who will do well this year."

Captain Neels Volschenk said: "It doesn't matter which team the Lions select; they are talented players with good coaches. It is a good opportunity to measure yourself against the Lions in the opening game of the season. We'll have to play good rugby to have a positive result."

The following players are not eligible for team selection due to injury: Arno van der Merwe and Pierre Uys (back), Vice Hofmeyer (shoulders), Ntokozo Makhaza (knee), Louis van der Westhuizen, John-Kelly Okonkwo and Tiaan Swanepoel (ankles) and Gideon van der Merwe (lower leg).

The referee for the match is Dylen November. He will be assisted by AJ Jacobs and Jonathan Lottering. The TMO is Egon Seconds.

Toyota Cheetahs starting XV: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Michael Annies; 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Faf de Klerk; 8 Neels Volschenk (capt), 7 Juan Venter, 6 Ramon Uys; 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Carl Wegner; 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Tielman Niewoudt. Replacements: 16 Juan Smal, 17 Dux Manyama, 18 Frankie Dos Reis, 19 Simon Muller, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Ethan Wentzel, 23 Prince Nkabinde.