The Toyota Cheetahs got their first Guinness PRO14 victory under their belts last weekend – in Round Four they get to welcome the leaders in Conference B and a Leinster side with a perfect 15 points from 15 on Friday night at 8pm local time in Bloemfontein. What’s at stake? Back on home soil, the Cheetahs came out on top in a thrilling encounter against Zebre, winning 54-39 to get a first win under their belts, and they will be looking to improve on that home record this weekend. Standing in their way is the small matter of Leinster, the second-best attack so far in the competition and the best defence, with three bonus-point wins out of three. Team news (Toyota Cheetahs): The Cheetahs have made four changes to the team that beat Zebre, including a first appearance of the season for Springbok back row Oupa Mohoje. He comes in at No.8, while the other change in the pack sees loosehead prop Charles Marais promoted to the starting lineup. In the backs Tian Meyer comes in at scrum-half, while Rosko Specman is given the nod on the right wing. Team news (Leinster): Available again after missing the Kings encounter because of visa issues, Isa Nacewa and Jamison Gibson-Park are both included from the off in Bloemfontein. Barry Daly is the other change in the backs, but it’s a much-changed pack, including an all-new front row of Cian Healy, James Tracy and Michael Bent. Talking points: Josh van der Flier will be making his 50th appearance for Leinster in the back row after being named at openside. It’s been a dramatic rise for the 24-year-old, who only made his provincial debut in late 2014. Starting alongside fellow Irish internationals Jordi Murphy and Jack Conan, Van der Flier will be looking to lay down a marker before the return of international teammates Jamie Heaslip and Sean O’Brien. Key Battle: Oupa Mohoje v Jack Conan The Cheetahs looked impressive in attack against Zebre, and will be able to call on the dynamic Mohoje at No.8 this week. The 27-year-old has 17 Springbok caps to his name but he will be going up against a player in Conan who has become one of the best No.8s in the competition. A great carrier of the ball, Conan has made an impressive start to the campaign for Leinster so far. Key Stat: Leinster are the only team with 15 points from 15 in the league, and only the second team ever to manage the feat. Last year the Ospreys also had maximum points from their first three matches before eventually reaching the semi-finals. Did you know? Leinster have lost just once in the league in the regular season in 2017, a 17-13 loss to Ulster in the final round of last season. Toyota Cheetahs: S Petersen, R Specman, F Venter, W Small-Smith, M Mapimpi, E Stapelberg, T Meyer, C Marais, T van Jaarsveld, T Botha, J Basson, R Hugo, P Schoeman, H Venter, O Mohoje. Replacements: J du Toit, O Nche, J Coetzee, R Bernardo, J Pokomela, S Venter, N Lee, L Obi. Leinster: J Carbery, D Kearney, N Reid, I Nacewa, B Daly, R Byrne, J Gibson-Park, C Healy, J Tracy, M Bent, R Molony, M Kearney, J Murphy, J van der Flier, J Conan. Replacements: S Cronin, P Dooley, A Porter, R Ruddock, M Deegan, N McCarthy, C Marsh, R O’Loughlin. TV: SuperSport1/Sky Sports Action (KO 8pm local) Match officials – Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU), AR1: Ben Whitehouse (WRU), AR2: Stuart Berry (SARU) TMO: Shaun Veldsman (SARU) Guinness PRO14 Final 2018 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 for adults and €5 for children, and be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie
