It’s a big weekend for the Guinness PRO14 with both South African franchises hosting their first games in the competition. After Southern Kings host Leinster, the Cheetahs will then entertain Zebre at Toyota Stadium in a game which kicks off at 7.30pm. What’s at stake? The Cheetahs were handed a tough start to their Guinness PRO14 existence, travelling to Ulster and then Munster, so they host Zebre still in search of a first victory. The Italian side were unfortunate to come away with nothing from their opening game in Swansea, but were second-best at home to Scarlets last week. Team news (Toyota Cheetahs): The Cheetahs have made a host of changes to the side that lost to Munster, with Sergeal Petersen shifting to full-back to accommodate Luther Obi. Ernst Stapelberg gets the nod at fly-half, while Ox Nche, Torsten van Jaarsveld and Tom Botha form a new-look front row. Blitzbokke Sevens star Cecil Afrika is included on the bench. Team news (Zebre): Zebre have made six changes to the team that went down to the Scarlets last time out, with Mattia Bellini back at outside centre. Marcello Violi comes in at scrum-half to partner Carlo Canna, while George Biagi returns in the second row. Talking points: This will be the second game on South African soil this weekend but most interesting is that it will also be the first played at altitude. A regular advantage for South Africa at international level, it will be interesting to see how the Cheetahs make the most of it in the final 20 minutes of the game. Key battle: Springbok Francois Venter is one of the standout performers for the Cheetahs and will be expected to lead from the front in the centres. He will face Mattia Bellini, usually employed in the back three but shifting to outside centre for this game. Bellini is undoubtedly talented, but it will be a big test to contain the dangerous Venter in midfield. Key stat: Zebre’s last win on the road came in Edinburgh last year when they beat the Scottish side at BT Murrayfield in Round Seven. Did you know? Tickets for the game are free to allow every supporter the chance to embark on this new adventure. Toyota Cheetahs: S Petersen; L Obi, F Venter, W Small-Smith, M Mapimpi; E Stapelberg, S Venter; O Nche, T van Jaarsveld, T Botha; J Basson, R Hugo; P Schoeman, H Venter, J Pokomela. Replacements: J du Toit, C Marais, J Coetzee, R Bernardo, C Dry, T Meyer, N Lee, C Afrika. Zebre: C Gaffney; G Bisegni, M Bellini, T Castello, G di Giulio; C Canna, M Violi; A Lovotti, O Fabiani, D Chistolini; D Sisi, G Biagi; J Meyer, G Licata, R Giammarioli. Replacements: S Panico, A De Marchi, R Tenga, L Krumov, D Minnie, G Palazzani, S Bordoli, F Amasaga. TV: SuperSport1 (KO 7.15pm) Match officials – Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU) Assistant Referee 1: Sean Gallagher (IRFU) AR2: J Peyper (SARU) TMO: S 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
