A glimpse into Cheetahs' European future without Frans Steyn

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs travelled to France this week, where they will face French giants  Toulon on Saturday at Stade Felix Mayol.

The team will be without Springbok veteran Frans Steyn.

The utility back sustained a knee injury during last weekend's Currie Cup match against the Bulls.

Rober Ebersohn will don the No.12 jersey this week. He will partner with David Brits in the midfield.

“The three weeks of Currie Cup were important to give all the players game time and to select the right players for this match.” Said Coach Hawies Fourie.

“We’ll definitely miss a valuable player and kicker like Frans Steyn. Still, we’ve planned accordingly, and the responsible players have done it before and have the confidence to do what is required.”

Ruan Pienaar forms the halfback partnership with Reinhardt Fortuin.

Tapiwa Mafura will start at fullback, while wings Daniel Kasende and Munier Hartzenberg complete the back three.

In the pack, Schalk Ferreira, Hencus van Wyk and hooker Marnus van der Merwe are this week's front row.

Captain Victor Sekekete and Rynier Bernardo make up the second row, while  Jeandré Rudolph, Teboho Mohoje and Gideon van der Merwe are the loose trio.

Cheetahs: 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 David Brits, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Munier Hartzenberg, 10 Reinhardt Fortuin, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Teboho Mohoje, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Rynier Bernardo, 3 Hencus van Wyk, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Schalk Ferreira.

Replacements: 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Nqobisizwe Mxoli, 19 Mzwanele Zito, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Sibabalo Qoma, 22 Rewan Kruger, 23 Cohan Jasper

Date: Saturday, April 1

Venue: Stade Felix Mayol, Toulon

Kick-off: 12.30 (11.30 GMT; 13.30 South African time)

Referee: Andrea Piardi

Assistant Referees: Alex Frasson , Manuel Bottino

TMO: Matteo Liperini