Frans Steyn at fullback for Cheetahs’ Challenge Cup debut

Two-time World Cup winner Frans Steyn will run out at fullback for the Cheetahs when the Bloemfontein-based side make their European club rugby debut in the Challenge Cup against Pau in Pau on Saturday.

The Springbok utility back has spent a number of weeks on the sidelines in recent times with an injury that kept him out of the national team’s tour of Europe last month.

Steyn, who won the World Cup in 2007 and 2019, has also played mainly in the centres in recent times, and occasionally at flyhalf.

This week though the veteran will be at fullback, the position where he first made a name for himself at the Sharks.

Saturday’s match kicks off at 3pm.

‘Step up for us’

Also in the Cheetahs side are scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar and loose forward Oupa Mohoje.

Pau, or Section Paloise as they are formally known, include former Cheetahs prop Maks van Dyk in their ranks, and so, too, Luke Whitelock of New Zealand and Jack Maddocks of Australia.

“Pau play with high intensity, and they are a skilful team,” said Cheetahs boss Hawies Fourie. “They are not afraid to attack and to put you under pressure.

“This game will definitely be a step up for us. We also like to play with a high intensity though so it will suit us. We need to execute well what we plan to do.

“We know that there is a lot of pressure and expectations from the outside, and we have a responsibility to do well. We can now measure ourselves against these guys. It is a privilege to have the opportunity, and we’ll make the best of it.”

Cheetahs: Frans Steyn, Daniel Kasende, David Brits, Reinhardt Fortuin, Tapiwa Mafura, Siya Masuku, Ruan Pienaar, Friedle Olivier, Oupa Mohoje, Jeandrè Rudolph, Victor Sekekete, Mzwanele Zito, Aranos Coetzee, Louis van der Westhuizen, Schalk Ferreira. Bench: Marko Janse van Rensburg, Mzamo Majola, Hencus van Wyk, Rynier Bernardo, Sibabalo Qoma, Daniel Maartens, Rewan Kruger, Robert Ebersohn