Cheetahs call on Frans Steyn for Challenge Cup battle

Veteran Frans Steyn will start at fullback for the Cheetahs in their long-awaited return to club rugby when they face Pau in the Challenge Cup at the Stade du Hameau on Saturday.

Steyn forms a back three with Daniel Kasende and Tapiwa Mafuru, while David Brits and Reinhardt Fortuin are the preferred midfield duo. Siya Masuku and Ruan Pienaar are the halfback-axis that complete the backline.

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Up front Friedle Olivier cracks the nod at No 8 with experienced pair Oupa Mohoje and Jeandrè Rudolph as the starting flanks. Victor Sekekete and Mzwanele Zito are on duty in the second row and hooker Louis van der Westhuizen will scrum down in the middle of props Aranos Coetzee and Schalk Ferreira in the front row.

Meanwhile, Pau have a formidable squad, including former Cheetahs prop Maks van Dyk, as well as former All Black flanker Luke Whitelock and Wallaby fullback Jack Maddocks.

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Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie said: “Pau play with high intensity, and they are a skilful team. They are not afraid to attack and to put you under pressure.

“This game will definitely be a step up for us. We also like to play high intensity, so it will suit us. We need to execute well what we plan to do.

“We know that there is a lot of pressure and expectations from the outside, and we have a responsibility to do well. We can now measure ourselves against these guys. It is a privilege to have the opportunity, and we’ll make the best of it.

“We’re trying to use the player’s skills as well as we can in the conditions they are going to play in.”

Kick-off in Pau is at 15h00 (SA time) and the match will be live on SuperSport, channel 206.

CHEETAHS CHALLENGE CUP TEAM:

Cheetahs — 15 Frans Steyn, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 David Brits, 12 Reinhardt Fortuin, 11 Tapiwa Mafura, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Friedle Olivier, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Jeandrè Rudolph, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Mzwanele Zito, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1 Schalk Ferreira. 
Subs: 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Hencus van Wyk, 19 Rynier Bernardo, 20 Sibabalo Qoma, 21 Daniel Maartens, 22 Rewan Kruger, 23 Robert Ebersohn.