Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn has made five changes to his starting XV for Saturday’s Currie Cup match against the Lions in Bloemfontein

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In the backline, Clayton Blommetjies replaces James Verity-Amm at fullback, Prince Nkabinde comes in for Banie Britz on the right wing and Carel-Jan Coetzee is at outside centre with Marco Jansen van Vuren unavailable due to his sister’s wedding.

In the pack, Frankie dos Reis takes over at tighthead prop for Aranos Coetzee, while Marko Janse van Rensburg comes in at hooker for Louis van der Westhuizen.

The Cheetahs top the log on 16 points after four rounds, with the Lions just one point behind in third place.

CHEETAHS – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Ali Mgjijima, 11 Cohen Jasper, 10 Franco Smith, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Neels Volschenk, 7 Mihlali Mosi, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (c), 4 Juan Venter, 3 Frankie dos Reis, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Cameron Dawson.
Bench: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Thabang Mahlase, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Jandre Nel, 22 Banie Britz, 23 Michael Annies.

In the midfield, Evardi Boshoff gets a start at inside centre, replacing the injured Reinhardt Fortuin, while the back three sees Munier Hartzenberg reclaim the left wing position in place of Cohen Jasper, who has been rotated out of the matchday squad.

Up front, Steyn has opted for a more physical approach. Loosehead prop Alulutho Tshakweni comes in to bolster the scrum, while Friedle Olivier gets a run at blindside flank, replacing Gideon van der Merwe, who is being rested as a precaution following a minor knock.

These changes reflect a strategic response from Steyn as the Cheetahs aim to strengthen their grip on a playoff spot. Currently sitting just outside the top four, Saturday’s fixture is a must-win to stay in contention for the semifinals.

Speaking at the team announcement, Steyn emphasised the need for urgency and intensity: “We’ve had honest conversations this week. The Lions are a dangerous side, and we can’t afford any lapses in focus. These changes are tactical and form-based — we believe this group gives us the best shot at getting the job done at home.”