Challenge Cup: Cheetahs name side to take on Lyon

Saturday's match kicks off at 18:30 (19:30 SA time) at Matmut Stadium de Gerland in Lyon.

Lyon played in the Investec Championship last year and is a strong side and has proven to be tough ground for South African teams.

"If we stick to our game plan and execute well, we'll be in the mix," said Cheetahs hooker Louis van der Westhuizen.

"We need to be physical, keep our focus, and limit our mistakes."  

"We have had many injuries since the campaign's start, but I believe in this team and their ability and willingness to fight until the last minute," said coach Izak van der Westhuizen.

There are three changes to the team. Ethan Wentzel (shoulder) and Michael Annies (hamstring) returned home due to injury. Franco Smith and Cohen Jasper replace them. Neels Volschenk is on the bench.

Cheetahs - 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Franco Smith, 9 Ruben de Haas, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Friedle Olivier, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Victor Sekekete (c), 4 Pieter Janse van Vuren, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1 Hencus van Wyk.

Replacements: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Corne Fourie, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Pierre-Raymond Uys, 20 Sisonke Vumazonke, 21 Neels Volschenk, 22 Jandrè Nel, 23 Litha Nkula.

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