Heinrich Brüssow

Toyota Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske has named his team to tackle the Crusaders in their Super Rugby clash in Christchurch on Saturday (kick-off 08:35 SA Time).

Heinrich Brussow will start at flank after impressing off the bench against the Sharks last weekend,.

Brussow is 1 of 4 newcomers to the starting team named on Wendesday.

The others are scrumhalf Tian Meyer, flyhalf Joe Pietersen and wing Clayton Blommetjies.

Meyer and Pietersen form new halfback pair, after Sarel Pretorius and Willie du Plessis started in last weekend’s 27 / 10 home loss to the Cell C Sharks.

Pretorius is not yet on tour with the Cheetahs because his wife is due to give birth to their 2nd child, while Du Plessis shifts down to the bench after Pietersen recovered from illness.

Blommetjies starts at right wing in place of Cornal Hendricks.

With Brussow starting in the No 6 jersey, Boom Prinsloo moves down to the bench.

The scrumhalf reserve is Shaun Venter, while utility back Rayno Benjamin is also makes the 23-man squad for the 1st time this year.

Cheetahs: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Clayton Blommetjies, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Joe Pietersen, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Jean Cook, 7 Teboho Mohoje, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Francois Uys (Captain), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld, 1 Danie Mienie
Replacements: 16 Stephan Coetzee, 17 BG Uys, 18 Nicolaas van Dyk, 19 Steven Sykes, 20 Johannes Prinsloo, 21 Shaun Venter, 22 Willie du Plessis, 23 Rayno Benjamin.

Date: Saturday 21 March
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-Off: 08:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 06:35 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Lees (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Kane McBride (New Zealand), Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand)
TMO: Chris Wratt (New Zealand)