Team Announcement: Toyota Cheetahs vs Georgia as Part of Great Celebration of Sport, Fun & Family!
On Friday, 11 July, the Toyota Cheetahs will face Georgia’s national side in Toyota Stadium. The main game kicks off at 19:00 with a live broadcast on SuperSport Rugby (channel 211).
Get ready for one of the biggest events of the year as the Toyota Cheetahs throw a massive birthday bash to celebrate 130 years of rugby greatness, and everyone is welcome! All roads lead to Toyota Stadium for a thrilling international clash that’s so much more than a game – it’s a full-on family rugby festival.
This historic fixture honours Free State Rugby’s 130th anniversary, marking over a century of iconic moments, fierce pride, and a legacy that continues to shape South African rugby.
With Georgia set to play the Springboks a week later, this showdown in Bloemfontein promises top-tier action – and it’s the perfect warm-up for the Toyota Cheetahs before their Carling Currie Cup campaign kicks off on 27 July in Wellington.
Now’s the time to rally behind the Toyota Cheetahs and pack Toyota Stadium.
“This is a great opportunity for us to show how hungry Bloemfontein is for international rugby,” says Rory Duncan, CEO of Free State Cheetahs. “We want our supporters to come and enjoy the day with their families. A lot is happening at Toyota Stadium on the day, and I believe the Georgia game is a great opportunity to showcase that we can host a world-class event. It’s a great day out for the family, and a lot is going on at Toyota Stadium.
But it’s not just about rugby – it’s a holiday highlight for the whole family! From 15:00, fans can enjoy a full day of entertainment, fun activities, live music, food, and giveaways.
Toyota Cheetah captain, Victor Sekekete: “We really know what this game means for us, celebrating 130 years since Free State Rugby was founded. We truly want to embrace the jersey for its remarkable journey and the many legends that have emerged from the Free State. For us, it’s a blessing to have that kind of a contender, especially going into the Currie Cup.
“I think everyone knows the Georgians for their’ physicality. What we want to achieve in the game is to incorporate physicality and increase the intensity. So we’re looking forward to a good match.”
Toyota Cheetah coach, Ruan Pienaar: “It’s been a good week’s prep so far. I think the guys are excited and ready to go. It’s a big responsibility for us as Free State Rugby to perform well.”
“Celebrating 130 years is a significant occasion for the Toyota Cheetahs and the people of Bloemfontein. I’ve come to the stadium since the old stadium with the athletics track around, so I’ve seen all the changes that’ve happened at this stadium and all the great players who have come through here. It’s a great privilege to be part of that, and I think it’s massive for the players to play against an international team.”
“We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Ruan Pienaar is leading the team for this match.
Toyota Cheetahs
1. Hencus van Wyk
2. Marco Janse van Rensburg
3. Frankie Dos Reis
4. Pieter Jansen van Vuren|
5. Victor Sekekete (C )
6. Gideon van der Merwe
7. Pierre Raymond Uys
8. Neels Volschenck
9. Rewan Kruger
10. Ethan Wentzel
11. Banie Britz
12. Ali Mgijima
13. Marko Jansen van Vuren
14. Ntokozo Makhaza
15. Cohen Jasper
16. Vernon Jasper
17. Cameron Dawson
18. Ben Pitout (20 years old)
19. Sisonke Vumazonke
20. Daniel Maartens
21. Jandre Nel
22. Carel Jan Coetzee
23. Clayton Blommetjies
The referee for the match is Christopher Allison. He will be assisted by Tiaan Engelbrecht and
Ashton Ockhuys. The TMO is AJ Jacobs.