Franco Smith will start at flyhalf for the Cheetahs against Georgia’s Black Lion in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

The Cheetahs lost the opening match of the Challenge series 39-38 and Steyn has responded by making several changes.

Smith replaces Clayton Blommetjies, who drops to the bench, while Zander du Plessis earns his first start at inside centre after making his Cheetahs debut as a substitute in the opening fixture.

In the back three, Ntokozo Makhaza starts on the left wing, with Michael Annies shifting to fullback and Cohen Jasper falling out of the match 23.

Up front, Juan Venter joins Victor Sekekete in the second row, while in the loose trio Sisonke Vumazonke takes over at No 8 from Neels Volschenk.

On the bench, there’s a potential debut for Junior Boks prop Tebogo Nkosi, while James Verity-Amm makes his return from injury.

Sunday’s match will kick off at 3pm after a legends match between the Cheetahs and Bulls at 12:30pm.

FRANS: Cheetahs need to start winning

CHEETAHS – 15 Michael Annies, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Marco Janse van Vuren, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Ntokozo Mkahaza, 10 Franco Smith, 9 Jandré Nel, 8 Sisonke Vumazonke, 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Juan Venter, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen (c), 1 Tielman Niewoudt.
Bench: 16 Marko Jansen van Rensburg, 17 Tebogo Nkosi, 18 Frankie Dos Reis, 19 Arno van der Merwe, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Clayton Blommetjies, 23 James Verity-Amm.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images