Get Newsletter

Marais gets pivotal role against Lions

Marais replaces Fred Zeilinga, who started in the Cheetahs' 38-30 win over the Sharks in Durban last weekend.

ADVERTISEMENT

In other changes to the backline, Shaun Venter replaces Tian Meyer at scrumhalf and William Small-Smith returns to the starting team in place of Michael van der Spuy.

With Meyer on the bench, hooker Torsten van Jaarsveld takes over the captaincy.

The Cheetahs are sitting pretty at the top of the standings after five wins from five and they are the only unbeaten side left in the tournament.

The Lions are fifth on standings and are coming off an impressive 58-32 win over Western Province in Johannesburg last weekend. 

Free State Cheetahs: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Ryno Benjamin, 13 Nico Lee, 12 William Small-Smith, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Niel Marais, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Henco venter, 7 Uzair Cassiem, 6 Paul Schoeman, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Tom Botha, 2 Torsten Van Jaarsveld (captain), 1 Retshegofaditswe Nche.

Replacements: 16 Jacques Du Toit, 17 Charles Marais, 18 Armandt Koster, 19 Tienie Burger, 20 Niell Jordaan, 21 Tian Meyer, 22 Fred Zeilinga.

Date: Thursday, September 15

Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)

Referee: Jaco van Heerden

Assistant referees: Lourens van der Merwe, Jaco Kotze

TMO: JJ Wagner

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Write A Comment