Faf de Klerk returns to Cheetahs starting line-up for Currie Cup clash against Stormers XXIII

Reflecting on last week's performance, head coach Frans Steyn said there were encouraging signs despite the disappointment of not securing the result.

"It's never nice to lose," he said of the 24-21 loss to the Griquas.

"We have a lot to fix, but we'll keep working hard. Hopefully, we can get the win this weekend. The team showed that they're prepared to fight until the very end. We've come a long way, and you could see that last weekend. I'm proud of the effort, but disappointed that we couldn't get the win. There is still plenty we need to improve, but the gaps between the players are getting smaller, and that's a positive for us.

"We have props who are only 21 and 23 years old. The only way they'll learn is by playing and experiencing these situations. I see massive talent in this squad, and that's exciting. From the beginning, we've committed to backing these young players, and we need to continue to do so. There aren't many 21-year-olds who could go to Kimberley and hold their own in a scrum in such a physical, emotional game."

Cheetahs captain Neels Volschenk believes the team continues to move in the right direction as the Currie Cup reaches its halfway stage.

"For us, success is about being better than we were the previous week in every aspect of our game. Playing against the Stormers is a massive challenge. The character the team showed in fighting back against Griquas demonstrated how much this group has grown over the past year. We never go into a game simply to compete; we go out to win, and the confidence the players gained from that performance will stand us in good stead."

Steyn has made several changes to the side for Sunday's encounter.

In the forwards, Marko Janse van Rensburg returns to the starting lineup, with Juan Smal moving to the bench to provide impact.

Among the backs, de Klerk returns to the starting XV. The midfield combination consists of Zander du Plessis and Marco Jansen van Vuren, while Cohen Jasper and Jooste Nel provide cover among the replacements.

On the wing, Michael Annies starts on the right, while Clayton Blommetjies replaces the injured Henry Immelman at fullback.

For the Stormers XXIII, flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis returns from injury to captain the side. The inclusion of the experienced playmaker is the only change to the starting backline for the clash with the Cheetahs.

There are three changes to the forward pack, with Mhleli Khuzwayo starting at loosehead prop and Xola Nyali and Divan Fuller in the loose trio in the absence of Wandile Mlaba and Keke Morabe, who will both feature for the Stormers on Friday.

Head coach Tom Dawson-Squibb said that his team is focused on making it three wins from three on home turf this season.

"The support we got last week was phenomenal, and we know that the atmosphere at Athlone Stadium is going to be unreal once again," he said.

"We have kept as much continuity in selection as possible, and hopefully we can see another step-up in the performance on Sunday."

The match kicks off at 15:00.

Stormers XXIII - 15 Dylan Miller, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Josh Boulle, 11 Mfundo Ndhlovu, 10 Jean-Luc du Plessis (c), 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Divan Fuller, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Xola Nyali, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Tom Barnard, 3 Herman Lubbe, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Mhleli Khuzwayo.

Replacements: 16 Altus Rabe, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Danie Kruger, 19 Gerbrandt Grobler, 20 Luan Botha, 21 Ezekiel Ngobeni, 22 Kyle Smith, 23 Gino Cupido.

Cheetahs - 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Michael Annies, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Neels Volschenk, 7 Juan Venter, 6 Ramon Uys, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Simon Miller, 3 Frankie Dos Reis, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Tebogo Nkosi.

Replacements: 16 Juan Smal, 17 Tielman Niewoudt, 18 Aranos Coetzee, 19 Curtly Thomas, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Sisonke Vumazonke, 22 Cohen Jasper, 23 Jooste Nel.

READ MORE: Hardman Pablo Matera leads youthful Los Pumas against Bok bolters