Cheetahs name strong side to face Western Force

Toyota Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie named a strong side for the opening of four Toyota Challenge matches against the Western Force in Bloemfontein on Friday night.

The match, which kicks off at 5pm and is live on SuperSport will be the first of the series with the Cheetahs and Force clashing next Saturday before two return meetings in Perth at the end of September.

With a number of the side that won the Currie Cup earlier this year, and with Ruan Pienaar back at flyhalf, the Cheetahs have a strong side to take on the Australian team.

Veteran Robert Ebersohn is at inside centre while impressive Friedle Olivier will be at No 8 with Victor Sekekete leading the side.

On the bench former Bulls prop Dayan van der Westhuizen makes an appearance after returning from a number of seasons in Japan.

Toyota Cheetahs: Tapiwa Mafura, Cohen Jasper, Evardi Boshoff, Robert Ebersohn, Litha Nkula; Ruan Pienaar, Rewan Kruger; Friedle Olivier, Sibabalo Qoma, Gideon van der Merwe, Victor Sekekete (captain), Rynier Bernardo, Hencus van Wyk, Marnus van der Merwe, Alulutho Tshakweni.

Replacements: Marko Janse van Rensburg, Schalk Ferreira, Dayan van