Toyota Cheetahs head coach Izak van der Westhuizen has announced his 23-man squad for their upcoming clash against ASM Auvergne Clermont in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 at the Stade Marcel Michelin on Saturday.

The Toyota Cheetahs secured a spot in the knockout stage despite narrowly missing out on home advantage. They finished third in Pool 1, earning a place alongside other qualified teams. Key victories include a home win against the Hollywoodbets Sharks.

Izak van der Westhuizen (former forwards coach) recently took over the reins from Hawies Fourie as head coach of the Toyota Cheetahs.

Coach Izak van der Westhuizen: “I think the guys know what is expected of them and the conditions. Playing is always difficult because you never know which side will arrive for the game. I think it helps a lot to have that experience within the group.”

Captain Victor Sekekete: “From the boy’s side, we are more eager, especially because we’ve been there, and last year’s defeat to Toulon left a bitter taste in our mouths.”

“There is more hunger, and what is important to us is the game management and to realize that when you’re playing over there, anything can happen on the day. The most important thing is to ensure we control what we can control.”

Louis van der Westhuizen will run onto the field for his 50th cap for the Toyota Cheetahs.

The Toyota Cheetahs squad for the big encounter:

15. Tapiwa Mafura
14. Daniel Kasende
13. Munier Hartzenberg
12. Reinhardt Fortuin
11. Litha Nkula
10. George Lourens
9. Ruan Pienaar
8. Friedle Olivier
7. Oupa Mohoje
6. Jeandré Rudolph
5. Victor Sekekete (C )
4. Carl Wegner
3. Aranos Coetzee
2. Louis van der Westhuizen (*50th cap for the Toyota Cheetahs)
1. Schalk Ferreira

16. Marko Janse van Rensburg
17. Alulutho Tshakweni
18. Laurence Victor
19. Mzwanele Zito
20. Gideon van der Merwe
21. Siba Qoma
22. Andell Loubser
23. Rewan Kruger

Photo by Charle Lombard/BackpagePix