Franco Smith faces brother Jean after being named in the Cheetahs’ starting lineup for Saturday’s Currie Cup clash against the Sharks.
Smith will wear the No 13 jersey after coming off the bench in last week’s 42-25 win against the Pumas, while flyhalf Jean has been included among the Sharks replacements for the match at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont.
“It’s always a privilege to play for the Cheetahs, and to do it this weekend in the Currie Cup against my brother is something special,” he said. “I know he’s a good player on his own journey and I’m really excited.”
In other backline changes, Clayton Blommetjies starts at flyhalf in place of Tiaan Swanepoel, while Banie Britz replaces Cohen Jasper on the left wing and Ntokozo Makhaza comes in on the right.
Up front, lock Juan Venter and flanks Daniel Maartens and Sisonke Vumazonke replace Pierre Uys, Sasko Ndlovu and Gideon van der Merwe.
Thabang Mahlase, Van der Merwe, Ali Mgijima and Ethan Wentzel are on the bench.
TEAM: Sharks bring in backline experience
Coach Frans Steyn is expecting a tough challenge from the Sharks.
“I don’t think it’s going to be easy. We need to stick to the goals we’ve set for ourselves, and hopefully that will work in our favour.
“The Sharks have a lot of talent in their squad, so our focus has to remain on our plan and improving week by week. We must start well and maintain our intensity for the full 80 minutes.
“[Forwards coach] Tiaan [Liebenberg] and the forwards are doing a great job. I’m impressed with the young guys giving everything on the pitch, and the experienced players providing direction.”
CHEETAHS – 15 James Verity-Amm, 14 Ntokozo Makhaza, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Franco Smith, 11 Banie Britz, 10 Clayton Blommetjies, 9 Jandre Nel, 8 Neels Volschenk, 7 Sisonke Vumazonke, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Victor Sekekete (c), 4 Juan Venter, 3 Frankie Dos Reis, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Cameron Dawson.
Bench: 16 Louis van der Westhuizen, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Aranos Coetzee, 19 Thabang Mahlase, 20 Gideon van der Merwe, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Ali Mgijima, 23 Ethan Wentzel.
PREVIEW: WP, Sharks aim to stop Currie Cup slide
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