Cheetahs name Frans Steyn at fullback for Section Paloise clash

Springbok legend Frans Steyn will start at fullback when the Cheetahs return to top-level rugby against Section Paloise in Pau on Saturday.

The Challenge Cup match kicks off at 15:00 SA time.

The Cheetahs last featured in the Guinness PRO14 competition in the 2020/21 season, where they finished in fourth place on the Conference A log with six wins in 13 matches.

Along with Steyn, the Cheetahs will also be able to count on the halfback pairing of Siya Masuku and another Bok veteran in Ruan Pienaar.

Meanwhile, towering lock Victor Sekekete will once again captain the side, having taken over the reins from Pienaar in September.

Pau - or Section Paloise - as they are formally known, have a formidable squad, including former Cheetahs prop Maks van Dyk.

Some well-known faces for South African viewers, including New Zealander Luke Whitelock and Australian Jack Maddocks, should present tough opposition for the Bloemfontein side.

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."

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 Jeandre Rudolph, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Mzwanele Zito, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1 Schalk Ferreira

Substitutes: 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

Referee: Sam Grove-WhiteAssistant referees: Hollie Davidson, Ru CampbellTMO: Andrew McMenemy