Carling Currie Cup – Round 7 | Vodacom Bulls vs Toyota Cheetahs  

The Toyota Cheetahs are travelling to Pretoria to take on the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday at 19:05 at Loftus Versfeld. The action will be live on SuperSport.

Permentations

According to SA Rugby Communications, a bonus-point win for the Lions would catapult them into contention for a top two finish and a home semi-final if the Kavaliers stumble in Cape Town. If the Pumas secure a bonus-point win against the Sharks XV, a Lions defeat would see them drop out of the top four, ending their season. Although Griquas hold a slight edge in this match-up, with three wins from their last five encounters, they'll be looking for their first win at Ellis Park in three visits.

The league phase of the competition concludes in Pretoria, where the Vodacom Bulls, who have been eliminated from the playoff race, will play for pride against the Toyota Cheetahs.

The Vodacom Bulls have won only one of their last five games, while the Toyota Cheetahs' recent 40-10 loss to Griquas marked their first defeat in five games. These two played to a thrilling 34-34 draw last August in Bloemfontein, while the Free Staters have won three of the last five meetings between them.

By the time they run out at Loftus Versfeld, the Toyota Cheetahs will know exactly where they stand in terms of semi-final hosting rights, with any spot in the top five still a possibility, depending on other results.

Team Announcement

Coach Frans Steyn made four changes to the starting line-up with Cameron Dawson and Hencus van Wyk switching places. John-Kelly Okonkwo will be making his debut for the Toyota Cheetahs with Frankie Dos Reis on reserve. Carel-Jan Coetzee moves to number 12 centre with Marco Janse van Vuren in the number 13 jersey. Ali Mgijima will provide cover on the bench. Pierre-Raymond Uys return to play and will be on the reserve.

Toyota Cheetahs

1. Cameron Dawson

2. Marko Jansen van Rensburg     

3. Frankie Dos Reis     

4. Juan Venter

5. Victor Sekekete (C)

6. Gideon van der Merwe 

7. Pierre Raymond Uys  

8. Neels Volschenk

9. Jandre Nel

10. Franco Smith 

11. Cohen Jasper 

12. Carel-Jan Coetzee

13. Marco Janse van Vuren  

14. Prince Nkabinde

15. Clayton Blommetjies

Replacements

16. Vernon Paulo  
17. Tielman Niewoudt
18. John Kelly Okonkwo
19. Sisonke Vumazonke
20. Daniel Maartens
21. Raegan Oranje
22. Banie Britz
23. Michael Annies

Match Officials
Referee: Hanru van Rooyen
Assistant Referees: Christopher Allison and Paul Mente
TMO: Ben Crouse

Unavailable due to injury
Carl Wegner (hamstring), George Lourens (hand/forearm), Dux Manyama (hamstring),  Pieter Janse van Vuren (hamstring), Tiaan Swanepoel (groin), Ntokozo Makhaza (ankle), Munier Hartzenberg (hamstring), Louis van der Westhuizen (calf), James Verity-Amm (neck), Ethan Wentzel (ankle), Curtly Ambrose Thomas (hamstring), Litha Nkula (hand).