Cheetahs leave Faf de Klerk on bench for Currie Cup trip to Griquas

The Cheetahs have opted to keep World Cup-winning scrum-half Faf de Klerk among the replacements for their Currie Cup derby against Griquas in Kimberley on Friday, as head coach Frans Steyn shuffles his side for their first away match of the campaign.

De Klerk, one of the most experienced Springboks in domestic action this season, made an impact in last week’s victory over the Sharks but will again start on the bench for the 19:00 kick-off in the Northern Cape.

Steyn has refreshed his matchday 23 despite that win, signalling both confidence in his broader squad and a willingness to rotate early in the competition. Captain Victor Sekekete continues to lead the side from the second row, while several combinations are retained to maintain continuity.

The fixture forms part of a central South African derby double-header in the Currie Cup, with Griquas looking to assert home dominance and the Cheetahs aiming to back up their strong start to the season.

Steyn targets strong start on the road

Steyn underlined the significance of the Cheetahs’ first outing away from Bloemfontein and suggested conditions in Kimberley, traditionally tough for visiting sides, will pose a stern examination.

“This is our first away game and it will be tough,” said Steyn.

“We have a plan, and hopefully the one we have in place will work for us. There is an opportunity for us.”

The former Springbok utility back emphasised a return to the basics and the team’s core structures, suggesting that execution rather than wholesale tactical change will be decisive against a Griquas outfit renowned for their intensity at home.

Griquas, the defending Currie Cup champions, are seeking to halt what has been described as a “flying” Cheetahs start to the tournament, adding further edge to an already traditional derby rivalry.

Immelman anchors backline as Kruger starts at nine

Henry Immelman will wear the number 15 jersey for the Cheetahs, anchoring a backline that blends power and pace. He is joined in the back three by right wing Cohen Jasper and left wing Prince Nkabinde.

In midfield, Carel Jan Coetzee lines up at outside centre with Jooste Nel inside him, as the Cheetahs look to impose themselves both with ball in hand and defensively through the 12-13 axis.

Ethan Wentzel starts at fly-half and will link up with Rewan Kruger at scrum-half, with Kruger given the nod in the number nine jersey ahead of de Klerk, who provides experienced cover from the bench and an option to change the tempo later in the game.

Sekekete leads experienced pack

Up front, Neels Volschenk continues at number eight, supported by flankers Juan Venter at seven and Ramon Uys at six in a hard-working loose trio tasked with matching Griquas’ physicality at the breakdown.

Sekekete captains the side from lock, packing down alongside Simon Miller in the second row. In the front row, Tebogo Nkosi starts at loosehead prop, Frankie Dos Reis at tighthead and Juan Smal at hooker, forming the foundation of the Cheetahs’ scrum and maul platforms.

Bench packed with impact options

Steyn has named a bench designed to sustain intensity and offer variation in the closing stages. Marko Janse van Rensburg (16), Tielman Nieuwoudt (17) and Ben Pitout (18) provide front-row and engine-room reinforcement, with Daniel Maartens (19) and Sisonke Vumazonke (20) covering the back row.

De Klerk wears the number 21 jersey as replacement scrum-half, while Jaco van der Walt (22) offers fly-half and inside-back versatility. Michael Annies (23) is included as additional backline cover.

The Cheetahs’ selection suggests a clear strategy: trust the starting XV that delivered against the Sharks, rely on structure and discipline away from home, and unleash international experience from the bench if the contest tightens in the closing quarter.

Friday night’s clash in Kimberley, framed by the long-standing central derby rivalry and Griquas’ status as Currie Cup holders, is expected to provide an early indicator of both teams’ credentials in this season’s competition.