Supporters are in for a cracking game of rugby on Saturday as the Toyota Cheetahs and the Isuzu Southern Kings renew hostilities.  With the European teams out of action for another few weeks, last Saturday’s derby had a big impact in Conference A, with the Toyota Cheetahs up to third and 26 points.

The action in Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein kicks off at 17:00 (SA time), with a live broadcast on SuperSport 1, Premier Sports, DAZN and PRO14.tv.

This week will bring the eighth Guinness PRO14 derby between the two, Toyota Cheetahs have won all seven.

Charles Marais returns to play after injury and will be the starting as loose head prop with Boan Venter on reserve. The locks are Walt Steenkamp and JP du Preez, with a shoulder injury keeping Sintu Manjezi on the side line.

Jasper Wiese makes his comeback after suspension, replacing Gerhard Olivier who sustained an injury during last week’s derby.  

Ruan Pienaar will be leading the side with Tian Meyer providing cover on the bench.   Speedster, Rabz Maxwane will be wearing the number 11 jersey.  Daniel Maartens and Louis Fouche are new on the bench. 

Luan de Bruin will earn his 50^th cap for the Toyota Cheetahs when he sets foot to field. 

Toyota Cheetahs vs Isuzu Southern Kings, Saturday, 1 February 2020, 17:00 (SA time)

1 Charles Marais; 2 Joseph Dweba;  3 Aranos Coetzee;  4 Walt Steenkamp;  5 JP du Preez;  6  Chris Massyn;  7 Junior Pokomela;  8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Ruan Pienaar (Captain);  10 Tian Schoeman; 11 Rabz Maxwane; 12 Benhard Janse van Rensburg; 13 William Small-Smith; 14 Clayton Blommetjies; 15 Rhyno Smith. 

Replacements:  

16 Wilmar Arnoldi;  17 Boan Venter;   18 Luan de Bruin; 19 Aidon Davis; 20 Daniel Maartens; 21 Tian Meyer; 22.Louis Fouche; 23.Chris Smit. 

Players not available:  The following players are not eligible for team selection due to injury:  Justin Basson (knee), Marnus van der Merwe (knee), Oupa Mohoje (knee), Dries Swanepoel (ankle), Sintu Manjezi (shoulder), Gerhard Olivier (laceration on his face and shoulder) and Anthony Volmink (calf).

Match officials:  The referee for the match is Divan Uys (1^st Championship appearance).  He will be assisted by Cwengile Jadezweni  and Quintin Immelman (both SARU).   The TMO is Johan Greeff (SARU).    

Next match:  Leinster vs Toyota Cheetahs, Saturday, 15 February 2020 at 16:30 at RSD in Dublin.