Frans Steyn names Cheetahs side for Challenge Cup opener against Exeter Chiefs

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30 (SA time), and the fixture will mark the Cheetahs' first-ever EPCR Challenge Cup encounter against an English club.

The Free State side arrive in the competition with a major strength in the set-piece, having recorded the best lineout success rate in the tournament last season at an outstanding 93.2%. They will once again look to use this platform as a key attacking weapon.

However, their defensive systems will be tested against an Exeter side that converted 59% of their line breaks into tries last season - the highest rate in the Investec Champions Cup - and who will be eager to carry over the momentum from their strong form in the Gallagher Premiership.

After reaching the playoffs in the competition's first two seasons, the Cheetahs narrowly missed out last year and will be determined to return to the knockout stages.

Coach Frans Steyn is confident in his squad's preparation ahead of a demanding campaign.

"To be realistic, we are in a tough pool and will face strong opponents. We are confident. We have a good plan. The players are healthy, and we've got a good squad. This is an opportunity to show the quality of our players."

"A rugby ball can bounce to any side, and hopefully it will bounce our way this season."

Captain Chucky van der Westhuizen is also relishing the opportunity to test himself against former Toyota Cheetah Joseph Dweba.

"He is a quality player and Springbok, and for me it is always nice to measure yourself against some of the best players in the world. It is exciting for the boys to play in the EPCR Challenge Cup, to be on tour, and to play against a quality side that is second in the Premiership at the moment."

Cheetahs: 15 Michael Annies, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 De-an Ackermann, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Prince Nkabinde, 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 8 Gideon van der Merwe, 7 Juan Venter, 6 Pierre Uys, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen (captain), 1 Cameron Dawson.

Replacements: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Tielman Nieuwoudt, 18 Frankie Dos Reis, 19 Sisonke Vumazonke, 20 Neels Volschenk, 21 Daniel Maarten, 22 Jandré Nel, 23 Cohen Jasper.