50 up for Cheetahs' Louis van der Westhuizen against Clermont

The action at Stade Marcel Michelin in Clermont, France, kicks off at 13:30 SA time.

The Cheetahs secured a spot in the knockout stage despite narrowly missing out on home advantage. They finished third in Pool 1, earning a place alongside other qualified teams. Key victories include a home win against the Hollywoodbets Sharks.

Izak van der Westhuizen recently took over the reins from Hawie Fourie as head coach of the Cheetahs.

"I think the guys know what is expected of them and the conditions," said van der Westhuizen.

"Playing is always difficult because you never know which side will arrive for the game. I think it helps a lot to have that experience within the group."

Captain Victor Sekekete: "From the boy's side, we are more eager, especially because we've been there, and last year's defeat to Toulon left a bitter taste in our mouths.

"There is more hunger, and what is important to us is the game management and to realize that when you're playing over there, anything can happen on the day. The most important thing is to ensure we control what we can control."

Louis van der Westhuizen will run onto the field for his 50th cap for the Cheetahs.

Cheetahs - 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Reinhardt Fortuin, 11 Litha Nkula, 10 George Lourens, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Friedle Olivier, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Jeandré Rudolph, 5 Victor Sekekete (c), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen (*50th cap), 1 Schalk Ferreira
Replacements - 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Mzwanele Zito, 20 Gideon van der Merwe, 21 Siba Qoma, 22 Andell Loubser, 23 Rewan Kruger.  

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