Andell Loubser is one of several Cheetahs players in line to make their European Challenge Cup bow when they face Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets on Friday.
He starts in place of Tapiwa Mafura, who drops to the bench. Loubser has European top-flight experience, having made his Pro14 debut in the opening round of the 2019–20 competition with the Southern Kings.
Scrumhalf Branden de Kock is also set to make his first appearance in the Challenge Cup – off the bench – as part of a tweaked match-day 23 for the Free Staters’ third match of the 2022-23 campaign.
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The Cape-born halfback replaces Rewan Kruger, who has been promoted to the starting XV after veteran Ruan Pienaar was ruled out for the clash in Wales due to injury.
Alulutho Tshakweni returns from injury as a reserve prop, Louis van der Westhuizen and Marko Janse van Rensburg switch places in the run-on XV, with Friedle Olivier to pack down at No 8 in a re-jigged loose trio.
On the challenge facing the Bloemfontein side in Llanelli, coach Hawies Fourie said: “The Scarlets are very well organised on the attack, keeping the ball through numerous phases, so we must be sharp on defence. We expect them to be dangerous on their home ground.”
? TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT ?
?: @scarlets_rugby vs Toyota Cheetahs
?: Friday, 13 January 2023
⏲️: 22H00 (SA Time)
?️: Parc y Scarlets (Wales)
?: Live on SuperSport Rugby 211#EPCRChallengeCup @ToyotaSA pic.twitter.com/uWYoTaIi7J— Toyota Cheetahs (@CheetahsRugby) January 12, 2023
? Here’s your match-day 23 to take on @CheetahsRugby on Friday night (8)
2️⃣ personnel changes
? Wyn back from injuryDyma eich tîm i wynebu’r Cheetahs nos yfory ym Mharc y Scarlets
? https://t.co/fMkqkfP08u#SCAvCHE #ChallengeCupRugby #YmaOHyd pic.twitter.com/0gKP7maR8S
— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) January 12, 2023