A long-term injury to flyhalf Johan Goosen has again put Sias Ebersohn in the driver's seat for the Cheetahs' Super Rugby game against the Western Force in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Goosen dislocated his shoulder in the Cheetahs' home defeat to the Highlanders at the weekend, aggravating an injury he picked up against the Chiefs a couple of weeks ago, and he will be out of action for at least four months.
Ebersohn, who has bemoaned the little game time he has received this season, starts in Goosen's place.
Riaan Smit, the Free State's flyhalf in the Vodacom Cup, comes in as backup on the bench.
Ebersohn will be out to prove himself after missing a penalty kick from right in front that could have presented the Cheetahs with a much-needed win over the Highlanders.
“Missing that penalty against the Highlanders was a really bad feeling,” Ebersohn said on Wednesday.
“It is something I want to forget. I've been looking for more game time and now it is presented to me.
“I have to make use of this opportunity and re-establish myself in the team.”
George Earle starts at lock in place of Andries Ferreira. The latter started against the Highlanders as part of the team's rotation policy, but Earle has been a stalwart in the line-outs and will be a key factor against the Force.
Tewis de Bruyn remains at scrum-half, with Piet van Zyl starting from the bench.
Cheetahs team: Hennie Daniller, Cameron Jacobs, Robert Ebersohn, Andries Strauss, Willie le Roux, Sias Ebersohn, Tewis de Bruyn, Philip van der Walt, Justin Downey, Heinrich Brussow, Izak van der Westhuizen, George Earle, WP Nel, Adriaan Strauss (captain), Coenie Oosthuizen. Replacements: Hercu Liebenberg, Trevor Nyakane, Andries Ferreira, Ashley Johnson, Piet van Zyl, Riaan Smit, Philip Snyman. – Sapa