Baby Boks flyhalf Johan Goosen has been handed his first start for the Cheetahs, as the side prepare for their trip to face the Leopards in Potchefstroom.

The Cheetahs have made a flurry of changes following their shock 23-20 defeat to Griquas in Kimberley last weekend.

Goosen take over the No.10 jersey from Sias Ebersohn, who is rested, but remains on the bench for the match.

Experienced fullback Hennie Daniller returns from injury and replaces Riaan Smit, who among the replacements this week.

Utility backs Philip Burger and Philip Snyman also move around the backline, as Burger starts on the right wing and Snyman pairs up with Robert Ebersohn in the midfield in place of Corné Uys.

There is also a shuffle in the back row, where Boom Prinsloo will wear the No.8 jersey following Springbok Ashley Johnson's shoulder injury. Pieter Labuschagne moves across to blindside flank to make room for the return of the fiery Philip van der Walt at openside, while Johan Wessels must be content with a spot on the bench.

In the front row Coenie Oosthuizen continues with his new venture at tighthead, as WP Nel is unavailable once again with a calf injury.

Free State Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Philip Burger, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Philip Snyman, 11 Cameron Jacobs, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Pieter van Zyl, 8 Boom Prinsloo, 7 Philip van der Walt, 6 Pieter Labuschagne, 5 Izak van der Westhuizen, 4 Francois Uys, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Marcel van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Hercu Liebenberg, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Johan Wessels, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Sias Ebersohn, 22 Riaan Smit.

Date: Saturday, September 3
Venue: Olën Park, Potchefstroom
Kick-off: 16.00 (14.00 GMT)
Referee: Stuart Berry
Assistant Referees: Sindile Mayende, Archie Sehlako