Victor Sekekete will lead a Cheetahs 23 boasting a veteran Springbok and seven 2023 Currie Cup winners against the Lions in the first of the two semi-finals on Saturday.
The Cheetahs will continue the defence of their crown when they face the table-topping Lions at Ellis Park, with the second playoff taking place between Vodacom Bulls and Sharks XV in Pretoria.
Sekekete, who skippered the Free Staters to victory against the Pumas in the final in Bloemfontein last season, will partner Carl Wegner in the second row this week.
The powerful Gideon van der Merwe and seven-Test Oupa Mohoje will pack down in the back row with Jeandre Rudolph while up front, hooker Corne Fourie slots in alongside the grizzled Schalk Ferreira and scrum anchor Robert Hunt.
Speedster Cohen Jasper returns and will wear the No 14 jersey, with Daniel Kasende lining up down the opposite channel. Jasper will run out in his 50th game for the Cheetahs, along with Van der Merwe.
Ali Mgijima is ruled out with a facial injury so Munier Hartzenberg shifts from wing to outside centre. The versatile Friedle Olivier is also back and in line to make an impact off the bench with the likes of front-row powerhouses Vernon Paulo and Hencus van Wyk.
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“I believe that with the current group of guys if they decide they want to win and put their bodies on the line, there will always be a positive outcome,” Cheetahs director of rugby Frans Steyn said.
“[The Lions] are the favourites with a big team and are used to big moments. Our plan is to give our best on the day.
“I’m enjoying the tension and am confident that the guys here are giving their all every day. It will be tough, but we’re going in with the mindset of doing our best rather than feeling pressured to win. We’re prepared to face a tough challenge from the Lions and must deliver.”
The Cheetahs clinched the last semi-final berth with a 41-14 win over the Pumas in Nelspruit last week, and Mohoje adds, “Looking at the stats, a lot of players performed well. Many players stepped up and showed they wanted to win.
“Now it’s about preparing for this weekend and overcoming the next hurdle.”
Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
