Super Rugby preview: Cheetahs host Brumbies in Bloemfontein
Henry Speight returns for his first appearance since fracturing his jaw when the Brumbies take on the Cheetahs.
Last Updated: 15/05/14 7:52pm
Australia's top try-scorer in 2012 and 2013, Speight has been limited to just four appearances for the Brumbies in 2014 after collecting a loose elbow against the Waratahs which required surgery.
But Speight has now returned to full health and comes in for Joe Tomane, who fractured his eye socket last week in the win against the Sharks.
South African-born JP Smith returns to the bench in place of Ruaidhri Murphy in an otherwise unchanged team from last week.
Director of rugby Laurie Fisher said the Cheetahs presented the Brumbies with a significant challenge.
"The Cheetahs are a side we haven't beaten in Africa since 2009 and who always put in a strong performance against the Brumbies," said Fisher.
"It's pleasing to have a guy like Henry available for selection. We all know how dangerous he is with the ball so it'll be good to see him take advantage of any opportunities which may come his way.
"We are focussed on getting this tour off to a good start and claiming a win over the Cheetahs on the Highveld would certainly tick a few boxes."
Cheetahs changes
For the Cheetahs, boss Naka Drotske has made three changes to his starting line-up.
Amongst the backs, Cornal Hendricks comes in on the wing for Raymond Rhule, who drops down to the replacements bench.
Shaun Venter starts at scrum-half in place of Sarel Pretorius, who sustained an ankle injury during last weekend's 23-16 defeat to the Western Force.
Meanwhile, in the forwards, Boela Serfontein takes over in the second row from Waltie Vermeulen, who drops down to the bench.
Don't miss any of the action on Saturday as the Reds host the Rebels live on Sky Sports 4 - Red Button from 5.10pm.
Cheetahs: 15 Daniller, 14 Hendricks, 13 Sadie, 12 Benjamin, 11 le Roux, 10 Goosen, 9 Venter; 1 Caylib Oosthuizen, 2 Strauss (c), 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 4 Serfontein, 5 Uys, 6 Brüssow, 7 Mohoje, 8 Prinsloo.
Replacements: 16 van Jaarsveld, 17 Nyakane, 18 van Dyk, 19 Greeff, 20 Vermeulen, 21 Botha, 22 Watts, 23 Rhule.
Brumbies: 15 Mogg, 14 Speight, 13 Kuridrani, 12 Lealiifano, 11 Coleman, 10 Toomua, 9 White; 1 Sio, 2 Moore, 3 Alexander, 4 Fardy, 5 Carter, 6 Auelua, 7 Butler, 8 Mowen (c).
Replacements: 16 Mann-Rea, 17 R Smith, 18 JP Smith, 19 Smiler, 20 McVerry, 21 Hoffmann, 22 A Smith, 23 McCabe.
