Faf de Klerk set for Cheetahs debut as Currie Cup action returns this weekend

De Klerk will partner veteran flyhalf Jaco van der Walt in an experienced halfback combination as the Cheetahs begin their campaign against last season's beaten finalists. Captain Neels Volschenk leads a settled forward pack that includes Victor Sekekete, Carl Wegner and Ramon Uys.

Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn believes his side is well prepared for the tournament despite a disrupted build-up.

"I'm positive about the season. We had a couple of injuries, but most of the players are back. Everyone is fit and training, and there's a good vibe in the camp," Steyn said.

"I think all the teams in this year's Currie Cup are well coached and have good players who will do well this year."

The opening round begins on Friday night, with Western Province - now competing as the Stormers XXIII - welcoming defending champions Griquas to Cape Town Stadium as a new era begins under coach Tom Dawson-Squibb.

Jean-Luc du Plessis will captain a Stormers side that blends experience and youth, with six players set to make their Currie Cup debuts. Fullback Dylan Miller, wing Mfundo Ndhlovu, lock Tom Barnard, No 8 Wandile Mlaba, flanker Xola Nyali and utility back Dominic Malgas are all in line to make their first appearances in the competition.

Veteran hooker Scarra Ntubeni is set to provide impact from the bench after what many believed was his final Stormers appearance against Connacht in April.

Dawson-Squibb said his team has embraced the challenge of facing the defending champions in their opening fixture.

"We are new as a team, which brings with it the chance of some adapting through the game but more importantly, it brings with it massive enthusiasm and competitiveness," he said.

"My message for the last four weeks has been to compete â˜unreasonably'. We want this team to go above and beyond in every area and push ourselves as far as we can, which is what we mean by being unreasonable. What better way to test this than against the defending champions who are high on confidence.

"This is a big moment as we start a new era, and what better place to do so than DHL Stadium. The players and management are all looking forward to the challenge and giving all we have to make a positive start."

Also in action on the opening weekend of this year's competition are the Pumas, who host the Sharks in Mbombela on Friday night, and the Blue Bulls, who travel to Boland for their opening fixture on Sunday.

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