Cheetahs resting Bok flyer

The Cheetahs will rest Springbok flyer Cornal Hendricks when they host the Stormers in a Super Rugby encounter in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

The absence of Hendricks is part of the agreement with the South African Rugby Union that certain key Boks get time off during the season to ensure they are fresh and fighting fit for the World Cup later this year.

It means Sergeal Petersen will make his Super Rugby debut for the Cheetahs on left wing, after recovering from a fractured jaw.

Ryno Benjamin moves to right wing.

Joe Pietersen moved from fullback to flyhalf, where he replaces Willie du Plessis.  

Clayton Blommetjies will start at fullback.

Francois Venter replaces the injured Johann Sadie (knee) at centre.

Up front there is just one injury-enforced change.

Caylib Oosthuizen replaces Danie Mienie (concussion) at prop.

Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen, who was a late withdrawal from last week's encounter with the Lions, has been bracketed with Nicolaas van Dyk - as he continues his rehabilitation from a back strain.

Cheetahs: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Ryno Benjamin, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Michael van der Spuy, 11 Sergeal Petersen, 10 Joe Pietersen, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Willie Britz, 7 Johannes Prinsloo, 6 Tienie Burger, 5 Francois Uys (captain), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen/Nicolaas van Dyk, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld, 1 Caylib Oosthuizen.

Replacements: 16 Stephan Coetzee, 17 Dolph Botha, 18 Nicolaas van Dyk/Ewald van der Westhuizen, 19 Steven Sykes, 20 Carel Greeff, 21 Tian Meyer, 22 Francois Brummer, 23 Danie Dames.

Date: Saturday, May 2

Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 GMT)

Referee: Craig Joubert

Assistant referees: Jason Jaftha and Rodney Boneparte

TMO: Johan Greeff