Cheetahs reveal team to face Lions in Currie Cup semi-final at Ellis Park

By SABC Sport
13th September 2024

The Cheetahs have named their team to do battle with the Lions in Saturday's Currie Cup semi-final at Ellis Park as they look to keep their title defence alive.

The men from the Free State did not have the best of Currie Cup campaigns but have qualified for the knock-outs in fourth place after a big away win over the Pumas last week and still have an opportunity to mount a strong finish to the season.

It won't be easy going up against the in-form, table-topping Lions in their backyard, but former Springbok great and Director of Rugby at the Cheetahs, Frans Steyn, believes his team are more than capable of pulling it off.

"I believe that with the current group of guys, if they decide they want to win and put their bodies on the line, there will always be a positive outcome," said Steyn.

"This past weekend, the team decided to give it their all, and I take my hat off to all the players. What's great about the performance is that it didn't give anyone room to complain, like saying refereeing decisions didn't work out. It was not a perfect performance but a massive step in the right direction."

In team news for the Cheetahs, Ali Mgijima has been ruled out of the clash due to injury. Munier Hartzenberg moves from wing to outside centre to deputise for the midfielder, while Cohen Jasper will wear the number 14 jersey.

Victor Sekekete will once again captain the side from the second row, while Friedle Olivier returns to take his place on the bench.

The match will also see both Gideon van der Merwe and Cohen Jasper notch up their 50th Cheetahs caps.

"There's a good history between the two teams, so everyone looks forward to the game," said flanker Oupa Mohoje. "We know how important it is and certainly don't take it for granted. We understand what it means for the people of the Free State."

Steyn added: "I've said before that what's more important to me right now is how we play on the pitch rather than just winning or losing. They are the favourites with a big team and are used to big moments. Our plan is to give our best on the day. I'm enjoying the tension and am confident that the guys here are giving their all every day. It will be tough, but we're going in with the mindset of doing our best rather than feeling pressured to win. We're prepared to face a tough challenge from the Lions and must deliver."

Cheetahs - 15 Michael Annies, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Evardi Boshoff, 11 Daniel Kasende, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Jandre Nel, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (c), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Corne Fourie, 1 Schalk Ferreira.

Substitutes: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Friedle Olivier, 20 Aidon Davis, 21 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 22 George Lourens, 23 Litha Nkula.