Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk returns to the Cheetahs starting lineup for Sunday’s EPCR Challenge Cup opener against Bayonne at the Stade Jean-Dauger.
The 34-year-old, who was rested for the Free Staters’ recent Tbilisi Cup campaign in Georgia, will partner flyhalf Tiaan Swanepoel.
Carel-Jan Coetzee and Zander du Plessis combine in midfield, with Michael Annies and Prince Nkabinde on the wings and Henry Immelman at fullback.
Coach Frans Steyn has handed a debut to No 8 Carl Els, who arrived in Bloemfontein after winning back-to-back Currie Cup titles with Griquas.
“We’re excited to have Carl at the Cheetahs,” said Steyn. “He had a great Currie Cup season with Griquas, and hopefully he’ll settle into our system quickly and continue that good form. We’re going to need that from him against Bayonne.”
Captain Neels Volschenk starts at openside flank alongside Simon Miller, with Victor Sekekete and Carl Wegner forming the second row.
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Matome Manyama, Louis van der Westhuizen and Frankie Dos Reis start in the front row.
Steyn is bracing for a hostile reception from the French fans.
“I’ve played against Bayonne in Bayonne with Henry, so I know what to expect,” he said. “The stadium should be packed on Sunday, and the atmosphere will be intimidating.
“It’s good to have Henry in the squad and in the team. We know it will be a tough challenge, but we’re looking forward to it.”
CHEETAHS – 15 Henry Immelman, 14 Michael Annies, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Tiaan Swanepoel, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Carl Els, 7 Simon Miller, 6 Neels Volschenk (c), 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Frankie Dos Reis, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1 Matome Manyama. Bench: 16 Jaundré Schoeman, 17 Tebogo Nkosi, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Aidon Davis, 20 Siya Ningiza, 21 Erich Visser, 22 Cohen Jasper, 23 Marco Jansen van Vuren.
BAYONNE – 15 Yohan Orabe, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Guillaume Martocq, 12 Federico Mori, 11 Viliame Tutuvuli, 10 Rob du Preez, 9 Baptiste Tilloles, 8 Giovanni Habel-Kuffner (c), 7 Baptiste Heguy, 6 Mahno Dealle Facquez, 5 Brian Alainu’uese, 4 Manus van Leeuwen, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Facundo Bosch, 1 Ignacio Calles. Bench: 16 Lucas Martin, 17 Swan Cormenier, 18 Lasha Macharashvili, 19 Lucas Paulos, 20 Hugo Leclerq, 21 Herschel Jantjies, 22 Bastien Rasal, 23 Tom Spring.
Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images
The post Faf back for Cheetahs’ French challenge appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk returns to the Cheetahs starting lineup for Sunday’s EPCR Challenge Cup opener against Bayonne at the Stade Jean-Dauger.
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