Cheetahs name team for historic first clash with Stade Francais in Amsterdam

By SABC Sport
12th December 2025

The Toyota Cheetahs have named their side to face Stade Francais in the Challenge Cup in what will be a historic first clash between the two sides.

The Bloemfontein outfit arrived in Amsterdam on Monday ahead of their EPCR Challenge Cup Round 2 match on Saturday afternoon.

Under EPCR requirements, the Cheetahs must be based in Europe for the competition and will play their Round 2 and 3 "home" matches at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam.

South African supporters in the Netherlands can expect familiar touches at the ground, including boerie rolls.

Head coach Frans Steyn said he expects a tough contest but believes his side is ready to deliver a stronger performance than last weekend against Exeter Chiefs, when an improved second half was not enough to prevent a comprehensive defeat.

"Stade Francais will definitely be an imposing force this weekend, but I'm confident in our team," he said. "We adapted well to the game's pace in the second half against Exeter. We know what is expected of us, what the pace is going to be, and hopefully we can put up a good performance this weekend."

Steyn has made several changes to the team that faced Exeter. Juan Venter comes in for Victor Sekekete, who has returned home with a facial fracture and concussion. Daniel Maartens starts at blindside flank, with Pierre Uys shifting to No. 7.

George Lourens has joined the squad to replace Jaco van der Walt, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. De-an Ackermann moves to inside centre in place of Zander du Plessis, who has a groin issue. Both Van der Walt and Du Plessis have returned to South Africa as a precaution to ensure they are fit for January's fixtures. Munier Hartzenberg starts at outside centre, while Cohen Jasper takes up the right wing position.

Cheetahs - 15 Michael Annies, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 De-an Ackermann, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 George Lourens, 9 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 8 Gideon van der Merwe, 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Juan Venter, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen (c), 1 Cameron Dawson.

Replacements: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Matome Manyama, 18 Frankie Dos Reis, 19 Curtley Thomas, 20 Sisonke Vumazonke, 21 Neels Volschenk, 22 Jandre Nel, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.