Bloemfontein is buzzing with anticipation as the Cheetahs prepare to face Georgia's Black Lion this Friday evening! All eyes are on 20-year-old lock Arno van der Merwe, who's set to make his first start for the Cheetahs. This match is a crucial warm-up for the upcoming EPCR Challenge Cup, and promises some extra spice, given the recent Cheetahs' victory over Georgia back in July.
Van der Merwe Seizes His Opportunity
Van der Merwe, a product of Grey College and Shimlas, made his Cheetahs debut last year in the SA Cup. He's eager to prove himself, saying, "I’m really excited; I feel this whole U21 season has given me good preparation for the build-up to this game."
Cheetahs Lineup Revealed
The Cheetahs boast a dynamic back three of Michael Annies, Prince Nkabinde, and Cohen Jasper. Marco Janse van Vuren and Franco Smith Jr will anchor the midfield, while Clayton Blommetjies and Smiley Nel form the halfback pairing. Excitingly, new signing Zander du Plessis, a Bloemfontein native, is set to make his debut off the bench. Du Plessis describes playing for the Cheetahs as a "childhood dream come true."
"Growing up here, you know how much the Cheetahs mean to the people,” Du Plessis shared. “I was a fan of Frans Steyn at Grey, so I supported both the Cheetahs and Sharks. I looked up to him, and it’s exciting to now play under him.”
Kick-off is at 6pm at the Free State Stadium. Get ready for some action!
- Cheetahs: 15 Michael Annies, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Marco Janse van Vuren, 12 Franco Smith, 11 Cohen Jasper, 10 Clayton Blommetjies, 9 Jandré Nel, 8 Neels Volschenk, 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (c), 4 Arno van der Merwe, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 1 Tielman Nieuwoudt.
- Bench: 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Malcolm Lamont, 18 Frankie Dos Reis, 19 Mihali Mosi, 20 Sisonke Vumazonke, 21 Daniel Maartens, 22 Rewan Kruger, 23 Zander du Plessis.
Source: Based on original reporting.