The Border Bulldogs will have a fight on their hands when they host the Free State Cheetahs in East London in a Vodacom Cup match at the Absa Stadium on Friday.
The Cheetahs, under former Springbok flanker Rassie Erasmus, are on a high following their win over the Blue Bulls and will be keen to keep momentum.
The Bulldogs staged a magnificent fightback in going down 50-48 against the Falcons in Springs and while they came away with two bonus points will be desperate to win at home.
Back for the Bulldogs is South African Sevens winger Akona Ndungane but they will still be without flank and captain Derek Hendry who has a groin injury. — Sapa
Bulldogs: Tiger Mangweni, Ian Fihlani, Werner Coetzer, Vusumzi Mbulali, Akona Ndungane, Werner Bester, Vido Nako, Pietie Loots, Zolani Mofu, Blackie Swart, Fred Dicks, Bennie Jacobs, Michael Coetzee, Johan van Wyk, Alastair Lyon.
Replacements: Duane Kirton, Black Mtimka, Marcel van der Walt, Sam Mtotywa, Dru Nass, Adam Robertson, Thembani Mkokeli.
Cheetahs: Rodger Smith, Showan Smith, Ockie Vermeulen, Jacques Claassens, Ferdi Wesso, Conrad Barnard, Michael Claassens, Hannru Haupt, Chappy van Vliet, Henro Scholtz, Joe Beukes (captain), Attie Stander, Jannie du Plessis, Rich Verster, Wian du Preez.
Replacements: Jaco du Toit, Rayno Gerber, Marco Wentzel, Darron Nell, Ruan Pienaar, Andries Strauss, Philip Bruger.