The Cheetahs have been forced into a backline reshuffle for Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup clash against Stade Français in Amsterdam.
Coach Frans Steyn’s side is looking to bounce back from a 42-12 defeat to the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park last weekend.
Flyhalf George Lourens replaces Jaco van der Walt, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. De-an Ackermann moves into the No 12 jersey following the withdrawal of Zander du Plessis, who is nursing a groin injury. Both Van der Walt and Du Plessis were sent home as a precaution, with an eye on the remaining Challenge Cup fixtures in January.
The reshuffled midfield sees Munier Hartzenberg start at outside centre, while Cohen Jasper lines up on the right wing.
TEAM: Stade Français blood giant SA youngster
In the pack, Juan Venter replaces injured lock Victor Sekekete, who has returned to South Africa after sustaining a facial fracture and concussion.
Daniel Maartens starts at blindside flank, with Pierre-Raymond Uys shifting to openside.
The match kicks off at 3pm (SA time) at the NRCA Stadium, the Cheetahs’ European base.
Read SA Rugby’s digi-mag for FREE!
CHEETAHS – 15 Michael Annies, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 De-an Ackermann, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 George Lourens, 9 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 8 Gideon van der Merwe, 7 Pierre-Raymond Uys, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Juan Venter, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen (c), 1 Cameron Dawson.
Bench: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Matome Manyama, 18 Francisco dos Reis, 19 Curtly Thomas, 20 Sisonke Vumazonke, 21 Neels Volschenk, 22 Jandre Nel, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.
Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images
The post Injury-hit Cheetahs face French test appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.