The Toyota Cheetahs opened their campaign on a high note last week but will be hosting a determined Ulster side in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

The action kicks off at 18:15 (SA time) with a live broadcast on SuperSport2, Premier Sports, eir Sport and DAZN.  

Gates open at 14:30 with a curtain raiser between the Amateur sides of the Free State and Griquas at 15:15.

The two teams have met twice before with Ulster victorious in Belfast in the Toyota Cheetahs’ very first Guinness PRO14 game and the two sides sharing a 39-all draw in Bloemfontein a year later.

Supporters can expect a tight contest with altitude on the high veld encouraging plenty of attacking rugby.  

“Ulster is a well-coached team.  They had a good pre-season and it is clear that they are on form.”  Said interim coach, Franco Smith.  “This will definitely be the toughest challenge for this year.”

“Guinness PRO 14 is a much bigger challenge – with teams adapting throughout the competition.  The championship is nine months long and opposition teams change their play as it goes and do analysis on us.    

We have to control what we can and do what we can do great. We enjoy an expansive game but strive to have a balanced play.” Said club captain, Tian Meyer.  

Only one change was made to the team which faced Glasgow Warriors last week.  Neethling Fouche will be replacing Luan de Bruin.  Fouche will be making is Guinness PRO14 debut.

The following players are not eligible for team selection due to injury:  Justin Basson (knee), Marnus van der Merwe (foot), Charles Marais (bicep), Clayton Blommetjies (ankle) and Luan de Bruin (contusion) 

 Rugby World Cup – Ruben de Haas (USA), Aranos Coetzee (Namibia).  SA Sevens – Darren Adonis.

                          GUINNESS PRO14

           Toyota Cheetahs vs Ulster Rugby

      5 October 2019.  Kick-off:  18:15 (SA Time)

                Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein

The referee for the match is Ian Davies (WRU, 77^th competition game). He will be assisted by Craig Evans (WRU) and Griffon Colby (SARU). The TMO is Johan Greeff (SARU).