The two-time World Cup-winning Springbok centre, Frans Steyn, will be making his debut for the Toyota Cheetahs on Saturday when they square-up against the Pumas for what is their opening game of Super Rugby Unlocked.

The Cheetahs, like all other teams, are targeting a fast and strong start to the competition that will lead-up to the Currie Cup following the completion of the fight round of round-robin matches.

Therefore it is no surprise that coach Hawies Fourie named his strongest possible side for the clash, and this includes his big signing, Steyn.

Steyn forms quite an exciting centre combination when he patrols the midfield on the inside of the Japan-bound Benhard Janse van Rensburg.

Apart from his physical presence and a big reputation, Steyn has established himself as a big character in the team, and this is something the captain, Ruan Pienaar, welcomes.

“Although he is one of the older guys le me, he sometimes behaves like an 18-year-old and that’s good. Because he connects with the younger guys and they enjoy it.

“He brings a lot of experience and a lot of knowledge.

“It’s been great to have Frans here in Bloem. I’ve played a lot of rugby with him, so it is nice to have him around. I think the younger guys really enjoy having him around.”

The match in the City of Roses will certainly generate a lot of interest due to it being the long-awaited return of Steyn.

Saturday’s eagerly anticipated match between the Cheetahs and Pumas at the Toyota Stadium will kick-off at 16:30.

Toyota Cheetahs - 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Malcolm Jaer, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Junior Pokomela, 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Walt Steenkamp, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Luan de Bruin, 2 Reinach Venter, 1 Charles Marais.

Replacements – 16 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Erich de Jager, 19 JP du Preez, 20 Chris Massyn 21 Aidon Davis, 22 Tian Meyer, 23 William Small-Smith

Pumas - 15 Devon Williams, 14 Luther Obi, 13 Wayne van der Bank, 12 Ryan Nell (captain), 11 Neil Maritz, 10 Eddie Fouche, 9 Ginter Smuts, 8 Willie Engelbrecht, 7 Kwanda Dimaza, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Cameron Lindsay, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Ruan Kramer, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Morgan Naude.

Replacements - 16 Liam Hendricks, 17 Simon Westraadt, 18 Dewald Maritz, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Jeandre Rudolph, 21 Dian Badenhorst, 22 Neil Marais, 23 Ruwellyn Isbell, 24 HP van Schoor (standby), 25 Fiela Boshoff (standby).

@MorganPiek OFM Sport