The Cheetahs welcome back Springbok quartet of Ashley Johnson, Coenie Oosthuizen, Adriaan Strauss and Heinrich Brüssow for their Currie Cup clash with Western province on Saturday.
Oosthuizen, Strauss and Johnson are shuffle straight into the pack, where they made such an impact during the Super Rugby campaign.
Adriaan Strauss takes over as captain from his cousin Adries Strauss, who will be paired at centre with another returning star, Robert Ebersohn.
Ebersohn has recovered from an injury layoff and will be eager to impress the coaches and make up for lost time. Corné Uys misses out in the midfield and moves onto the bench in the only backline change.
Johnson continues at No.8 having featured there for the Springboks recently, with Boom Prinsloo unavailable after suffering a concussion during last weekend's 43-34 loss to the Sharks.
Brüssow's inclusion the bench will have Peter de Villiers and the rest of the Springbok management keenly watching to see the star flank back in action after a series of injuries have restricted his involvement in the past 18 months.
Free State Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Riaan Smit, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Andries Strauss, 11 Rayno Benjamin, 10 Sias Ebersohn, 9 Tewis de Bruyn, 8 Ashley Johnson, 7 Pieter Labuschagne, 6 Johan Wessels, 5 Waltie Vermeulen, 4 Francois Uys, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain) , 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Replacements: 16 Herkie Liebenberg, 17 Marcel van der Merwe, 18 Izak van der Westhuizen, 19 Heinrich Brüssow, 20 Piet van Zyl, 21 Corné Uys, 22 Philip Burger.
Date: Saturday, August 6
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00)
Referee: Sindile Mayende
Assistant referees: Tiaan Jonker, Johan Greeff
TMO: Gerrie Coetzee
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
