Cheetahs tweak team for tricky trip to Welkom

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie has made a number of changes to his team for their Currie Cup Round Two outing against the Griffons in Welkom on Sunday.

Following their 42-19 demolition of Griquas in Kimberley last week, the Cheetahs will be the first team to tackle the newly-promoted Griffons on their home turn.

The starting XV shows five changes - four among the forwards.

Evardi Boshoff starts at outside centre ahead of Robert Ebersohn in the only backline change.

Andisa Ntsila is the new No.8, with Jeandrè Rudolph not featuring this week.

Mzwanele Zito comes in ahead of Rynier Bernardo, who drops down to the bench.

The new-look front row features Coenraad Janse van Vuuren at tighthead prop and Marko Janse van Rensburg at hooker - Hencus van Wyk dropping to the bench and Marnus van der Merwe dropping out of the matchday 23.

Having already played a couple of pre-season friendlies against the Griffons, the Cheetahs are not underestimating the tournament newcomers.

"Many teams will underestimate them," Fourie said of the Welkom-based outfit.

"We must avoid stepping into that trap, but at least we know what to expect.

"It is their first home game, so they will come with a massive effort."

Cheetahs: 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 Evardi Boshoff, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Munier Hartzenberg, 10 Reinhardt Fortuin, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Andisa Ntsila, 7 Friedle Olivier, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Mzwanele Zito, 3 Coenraad Janse van Vuuren, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Schalk Ferreira.

Replacements: 16 Alulutho Tshakweni, 17 Louis van der Westhuizen, 18 Hencus van Wyk, 19 Rynier Bernardo, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Robert Ebersohn, 23 Cohen Jasper.

Date: Sunday, March 19

Venue: North-West Stadium, Welkom

Kick-off: 14.00 (12.00 GMT)

Referee: Paul Mente

Assistant referees: Local

TMO: Christie du Preez