The Cheetahs in their international game against Georgia on 11 July in Bloemfontein. PHOTO: Johan Pretorius

After all the excitement of the Springbok wins the last couple of weeks, the local tournament that rugby fans are waiting for, is finally here.

The first round of the Currie Cup will start this weekend with the Free State Cheetahs taking on the Boland Kavaliers on Sunday, 27 July in Wellington. The action starts at 15:00 and will be live on SuperSport Rugby.

Frans Steyn, Director of Rugby and Head Coach of the Cheetahs says this Currie Cup is going to be a tough one: “The one thing that I’m glad about the game against Georgia, was that we had to lift our physicality to the next level, and I believe that is what you need to do in this Currie Cup. I’m excited to see the players in action. They’ve been working hard.”

Cohan Jasper passing the ball with Clayton Blommetjies in the backgroud during the Cheetah’s game against Georgea on 11 July in Bloemfontein: PHOTO: Johan Pretorius

Victor Sekekete, Captain of the Toyota Cheetahs: “There is a lot of competition, especially with a number of young, talented guys coming through. Young players are stepping up, and it is good for South African rugby. I believe that it will be a tough and competitive Currie Cup. When you play a game, you need to score points; otherwise, you’re going to play catch-up rugby.” 

Frans Steyn announced his team for the encounter:

Toyota Cheetahs

1. Hencus van Wyk

2. ⁠Marko Janse van Rensburg

3. ⁠Frankie Dos Reis

4. ⁠Pieter Jansen van Vuren

5. ⁠Victor Sekekete (C )

6. ⁠Gideon van der Merwe

7. ⁠Pierre-Raymond Uys

8. ⁠Neels Volschenk

9. ⁠Rewan Kruger

10. ⁠Ethan Wentzel

11. ⁠Banie Britz

12. ⁠Ali Mgijima

13. ⁠Marco Jansen van Vuren

14. ⁠Ntokozo Makhaza

15. ⁠Cohen Jasper

16. ⁠Vernon Paulo

17. ⁠Cameron Dawson

18. ⁠Ben Pitout

19. ⁠Sisonke Vumazonke

20. ⁠Daniel Maartens

21. ⁠Jandre Nel

22. ⁠Carel-Jan Coetzee

23. ⁠Clayton Blommetjies

The referee for the match is Stephan Geldenhuys.

Players not available for selection due to injury: Munier Hartzenberg (hamstring), Carl Wegner (hamstring), Johan Kelly Okonkwo (knee), George Lourens (hand), Dux Manyama (hamstring), Prince Nkabinde (thumb), Michael Annies (foot), Tielman Niewoudt (back).

Other games taking place this weekend, is the Pumas against Griquas in Nelspruit on 25 July at 19:00, the Lions against Sharks in Ellis Park on 26 July at 15:00 and Western Province vs the Bulls at 17:10 in the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

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