All eyes will be on Bloemfontein tonight where Glasgow Warriors and Toyota Cheetahs will do battle in the opening game of the new Guinness PRO14 season.
Warriors came within a whisker of winning their second Championship in the 2018/19 campaign, only for defending champions Leinster to fend off their challenge in last season’s pulsating final.
But Glasgow will be looking to hit the ground running when they take on the South African outfit in their own backyard – something that Dave Rennie’s team selection has made clear.
Despite having several players at the Rugby World Cup, the visitors will have no fewer than nine internationals run out when Callum Gibbons leads out his side for their first bout.
Cheetahs will also be in high spirits after being crowned Currie Cup champions, with the hosts hoping to end their losing streak against Warriors – who have won their last four meetings.
Kick-off: Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein | 18:05 (UK) 19:05 (SA), Friday 27 September
Players to watch out for: Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors), Ruan Pienaar (Toyota Cheetahs)
Arguably one of the most controversial selection decisions ahead of the Rugby World Cup, Scotland’s loss is Glasgow’s gain as Huw Jones resumes his role at centre in a strong visiting team.
His powerful running game has proved crucial to club and country over the last couple of years and he will be a threat the Cheetahs must look to tame if they are to emerge victorious.
Ruan Pienaar will also be centre of attention for the hosts – albeit for a different reason. The scrum-half will play his first Guinness PRO14 match for the Cheetahs after returning to South Africa from France.
Key stat: Glasgow Warriors’ only defeat in Round One since 2012 was at home to Scarlets in 2015.
Toyota Cheetahs: Rhyno Smith, William Small-Smith, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Dries Swanepoel, Anthony Volmink, Tian Schoeman, Ruan Pienaar, Ox Nche, Joseph Dweba, Erich de Jager, Sintu Manjezi, Walt Steenkamp, Gerhard Olivier, Junior Pokomela, Henco Venter
Replacements: Reinach Venter, Boan Venter, Luan de Bruin, JP du Preez, Sias Koen, Jasper Wiese, Tian Meyer, Louis Fouche
Glasgow Warriors: Glenn Bryce, Kyle Steyn, Nick Grigg, Huw Grigg, Huw Jones, Rory Hughes, Brandon Thomson, Nick Frisby, Oli Kebble, Grant Stewart, D’arcy Rae, Andrew Davidson, Tim Swinson, Rob Harley, Callum Gibbins, Matt Fagerson
Replacements: Johnny Matthews, Alex Allan, Adam Nicol, Bruce Flockhart, Chris Fusaro, Jamie Dobie, Ruaridh Jackson, Robbie Nairn
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