The Toyota Cheetahs are in France and set to make their long-awaited return to top-class rugby when they face Paloise on Saturday, 10 December, at the Stade du Hameau in Pau.

The EPCR Challenge Cup match kicks off at 15:00 (SA time) and will be live on SuperSport, channel 206.

The Toyota Cheetahs last featured in the Guinness PRO14 competition in the 2020/21 season, where they finished in fourth place on the Conference A log with six wins in 13 matches.

Pau - or Section Paloise - as they are formally known, have a formidable squad, including former Cheetahs prop Maks van Dyk. Some well-known faces for South African viewers, including New Zealander Luke Whitelock and Australian Jack Maddocks, will be tough opposition for the Bloemfontein side.

Coach Hawies Fourie said: "Pau play with high intensity, and they are a skilful team. They are not afraid to attack and to put you under pressure."

"This game will definitely be a step up for us. We also like to play high intensity, so it will suit us. We need to execute well what we plan to do."

"We know that there is a lot of pressure and expectations from the outside, and we have a responsibility to do well. We can now measure ourselves against these guys. It is a privilege to have the opportunity, and we'll make the best of it."

"We're trying to use the player's skills as well as we can in the conditions they are going to play in."

Coach Hawies Fourie announced his team for the encounter:

Toyota Cheetahs

15.          Frans Steyn

14.          Daniel Kasende

13.          David Brits

12.          Reinhardt Fortuin

11.          Tapiwa Mafura

10.          Siya Masuku

9.            Ruan Pienaar  

8.            Friedle Olivier

7.            Oupa Mohoje

6.            Jeandrè Rudolph

5.            Victor Sekekete

4.            Mzwanele Zito

3.            Aranos Coetzee

2.            Louis van der Westhuizen

1.            Schalk Ferreira

16.          Marko Janse van Rensburg

17.          Mzamo Majola

18.          Hencus van Wyk

19.          Rynier Bernardo

20.          Sibabalo Qoma

21.          Daniel Maartens

22.          Rewan Kruger

23.          Robert Ebersohn

Match officials:  The referee is Sam Grove-White and will be assisted by Hollie Davidson and Ru Campbell. The match officials are all from Scotland.

Next match:  Round 2, Pool B:  Toyota Cheetahs vs Scarlets, Saturday, 17 December 2022 at 16:15 (17:15 SA time) at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma, Italy.