Ex Planet Rugby
Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske has made three changes to his XV for his side's Super Rugby game against the Waratahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Lock George Earle, who announced his move to the Scarlets earlier this week, is rested after he endured concussion in the loss to the Sharks.
Earle is replaced by Andries Ferreira, who has been on the bench for the last couple of games.
Drotske has also promoted back-row Ashley Johnson and Griquas winger Rocco Jansen.
Johnson will start at flanker, with Justin Downey relegated to the bench, while Jansen comes in for Cameron Jacobs, who is out of the 22 altogether.
Ferreira will partner with Izak van der Westhuizen - another Cheetahs stalwart who has announced his departure to Edinburgh at the end of the season - in the second-row and will look to impress Drotske with a place in the Cheetahs' Currie Cup side also up for grabs.
The hosts are desperate for table points as they look to distance themselves from the log bottom Lions, who face possible relegation from the competition as the SA Rugby Union's 2013 conundrum continues.
And the Cheetahs have deemed a victory crucial if they want to keep their dream of ending among the top six teams alive.
"It's still a long way to go. We've got a home game against the Waratahs and after that we have a bye before the four-week break for the Test series against England," Drotske said.
"Then there are still three games to be played against some of the teams that are also in the running for that sixth place.
"Yes, some teams have to win and others must lose for us to benefit, but we can better our chances by beating the Waratahs."
The Cheetahs had ample opportunity to cause an upset against the Sharks, but ultimately did not use the chances that came their way in a 34-20 defeat.
"At Super Rugby level you get a minimum amount of chances to swing the outcome in your favour," Drotske said.
"We will have to capitalise on all points scoring opportunities against the Waratahs."
I am surprised that Rocco has not played before as he is a very useful wing. Johnston should start to get best value from him.
Go Cheetahs!!
Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Rocco Jansen, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Andries Strauss, 11 Willie le Roux, 10 Riaan Smit, 9 Piet van Zyl, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Ashley Johnson, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Andries Ferreira, 4 Izak van der Westhuizen, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss (capt), 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Replacements: 16 Hercu Liebenberg, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Francois Uys, 19 Justin Downey, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Sias Ebersohn, 22 Philip Snyman.
