Bloemfontein- The Free State Cheetahs take on Pumas in a Currie Cup match on Friday at Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, with many changes to their line-up.
Coach Franco Smith will use the outing to field dome fresh faces. In one of many changes, Francios Venter will replace William Small-Smith at centre and will also captain the team.
Nico Lee moves to inside centre, Sergeal Petersen plays rightwing while Ryno Benjamin replaces Raymond Rhule on the left wing. Johan Coetzee comes in for the injured Tom Botha while Jacques Du Toit replaces Torsten van Jaarsveld at hooker.
In another change, Charles Marais will replace Ox Nche. New players on the bench include Elandre Huggett (hooker), Ox Nche (prop) and William Small-Smith as the utility back.
Free State Cheetahs: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Francios Venter (captain), 12 Nico Lee, 11 Ryno Benjamin, 10 Niel Marais, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Niell Jordaan, 7 Uzair Cassiem, 6 Paul Schoeman, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Johan Coetzee, 2 Jacques Du Toit, 1 Charles Marais Replacements: 16 Elandre Huggett, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Armandt Koster, 19 Tienie Burger, 20 Zee Mkhabela, 21 Fred Zeilinga, 22 William Small-Smith Referee: Lesego Legoete Assistant referees: Jaco van Heerden, Ricus van der Hoven TMO: Johan Greeff.
African News Agency (ANA)