The Free State Cheetahs have made a few changes to their side for Friday night's Currie Cup clash against the Golden Lions in Bloemfontein. 

The big news is that Springbok scrumhalf Ruan Pienaarcould make his debut in a Cheetahs jersey having been named on the bench. 

Tapiwa Mafura, meanwhile, will make his Currie Cup debut by starting on the left wing, replacing William Small-Smith after a late withdrawal due to injury. 

Elsewhere, Marnus van der Merwe comes into the starting line-up, with Abongile Nonkontwana providing cover on the bench.    

Oupa Mohoje (knee), Aidon Davis (broken leg), Justin Basson (knee), Ali Mgijima (Achilles), Luan de Bruin (neck), Malcolm Jaer (groin) and Daniel Maartens (ankle) are not eligible due to injury. 

Kick-off on Friday is at 19:15. 

Teams:

Free State Cheetahs

15 Darron Adonis, 14 Tapiwa Mafura, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 Dries Swanepoel, 11 Rabz Maxwane, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Tian Meyer (captain), 8 Henco Venter, 7 Junior Pokomela, 6 Marnus van der Merwe, 5 Walt Steenkamp, 4 Sitno Manjesi, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ox Nche

Substitutes: 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Charles Marais, 18 Reinach Venter, 19 JP du Preez, 20 Abongile Nonkontwana, 21 Gerhard Olivier, 22 Ruan Pienaar, 23 Louis Fouche

Golden Lions

TBA