Cheetahs to unleash Oupa against Sharks

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs have revealed their team for their Super Rugby Unlocked Round Five clash against the Sharks in Durban on Friday.

There are minimal changes to the team from their last outing against the Bulls in Round Two. The Cheetahs' Round Three match against the Lions was called off to due to COVID-19 protocols and in Round Four, the team from Bloemfontein enjoyed a bye.

In the backline, William Small-Smith comes into the midfield in the No.13 jersey in place of Benhard Janse van Rensburg.

In the pack, Aidon Davis takes over the No.8 role from Jasper Wiese, who has joined Leicester Tigers.

JP du Preez comes into the second row after Walt Steenkamp left for Pretoria to join the Bulls.

The big selection on the bench for the Cheetahs is Springbok loose forward Teboho 'Oupa' Mohoje, while Jeandré Rudolph (joined from the Pumas) and Khutha Mchunu (joined from the Sharks) will be making their debuts for the Cheetahs when they set foot on the field.

Cheetahs: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Malcolm Jaer, 13 William Small-Smith, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Aidon Davis, 7 Junior Pokomela (captain), 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 JP du Preez, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Luan de Bruin, 2 Reinach Venter, 1 Charles Marais.

Replacements: 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Oupa Mohoje, 20 Jeandré Rudolph, 21 Ruben de Haas, 22 Reinhardt Fortuin, 23 Chris Smit.

Date: Friday, November 6

Venue: Kings Park, Durban

Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)

Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni

Assistant referees: Marius van der Westhuizen, Paul Mente

TMO: Marius Jonker