Cheetahs release starting XV for Challenge Cup clash against Zebre Parma

The match at NRCA Stadium kicks off at 14:00 (15:00 SA time).

After a draw against USAP and a defeat against Cardiff Rugby, the Cheetahs are 5th on the log in Pool A, and a win would be essential to continue to the Round of 16. The encounter promises excitement as Zebre Parma would eye their first pool-stage win. The four highest-ranked clubs in each pool of six qualify for the knockout stage.

One of the EPCR's conditions for the Cheetahs' participation as an invitee in the 2024/25 EPCR Challenge Cup is for the team to be based in Europe. The Toyota Cheetahs are committed to making this EPCR Challenge Cup season competitive and successful and are proud to be part of the prestigious competition. Free State Rugby is grateful to Rugby Netherlands for their invaluable support in organizing the EPCR Challenge Cup match at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam and for providing a welcoming home in Europe.

"Zebre is a good side upfront and has a good attacking side," Cheetahs coach Izak van der Westhuizen told the Cheetahs website."We're not taking this game lightly. We know that we are up for a big fight. It is a big challenge for us.

"The Cheetahs We represent Bloemfontein and the region and want to make all our supporters proud. We play for each other, and we play for the supporters, and the pressure is always there to make our people proud."

"We have a couple of injuries with senior players in key positions, but it is just how rugby works. You can never predict these things, and it allows younger players to show that they deserve to play at this level."

Players who are not available for selection due to injury are Cameron Dawson (calf), James Verity-Amm (knee), Gideon van der Merwe (ankle), Robert Hunt (calf), Banele Mthenjane (hamstring), Carl Wegner (finger), Oupa Mohoje (shoulder) and Schalk Ferreira (hamstring).

"Despite the injuries, the vibe in the camp is good. We have a couple of youngsters eager to raise their hand and earn a spot in the team," added captain Victor Sekekete.  

"Returning after the festive season, it was clear that the guys needed a break of some sort. We are a family-orientated team; the guys returned rejuvenated, and the bodies had time to rest. The guys had energy and effort in training, so the break was good."

Cheetahs - 15 Michael Annies 14 Munier Hartzenberg 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee 12 Ali Mgijima 11 Prince Nkabinde 10 Ethan Wentzel 9 Ruben de Haas 8 Jeandre 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 16 Vernon Paulo

Replacements: 17 Corne Fourie 18 Laurence Victor 19 Pierre-Raymond Uys 20 Sisonke Vumazonke 21 Litha Nkula 22 Jandre Nel 23 Cohen Jasper

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