this year but with the injuries around him, it's time for the powerful midfielder to take a step to the fore.
WE THINK: Although the Cheetahs won the only previous meeting between these sides at Bloemfontein (the 2008 match was played at Kimberley), it has no influence on our call. We're picking the Hurricanes to win this match by 10-15 points and they should take a bonus point as well.
TEAMS:
Cheetahs: 1 - Wian du Preez, 2 - Adriaan Strauss, 3 - WP Nel, 4 - Nico Breedt, 5 - Walti Vermeulen, 6 - Heinrich Brussow, 7 - Juan Smith (captain), 8 - Frans Viljoen, 9 - Sarel Pretorius, 10 - Naas Olivier, 11 - Jongi Nokwe, 12 - Meyer Bosman, 13 - Robert Ebersohn, 14 - Lionel Mapoe, 15 - Hennie Daniller.
Reserves: 16 - Ryno Barnes, 17 - Corne Oosthuizen, 18 - David de Villiers, 19 - Kabamba Floors, 20 - Tewis de Bruyn, 21 - Riaan Viljoen, 22 - Danwel Demas.
Hurricanes: 1 - John Schwalger, 2 - Andrew Hore (captain), 3 - Neemia Tialata, 4 - Bryn Evans, 5 - Michael Paterson, 6 - Victor Vito, 7 - Karl Lowe, 8 - Rodney So'oialo, 9 - Piri Weepu, 10 - Aaron Cruden, 11 - David Smith, 12 - Ma'a Nonu, 13 - Alipati Leiua, 14 - Andre Taylor, 15 - Cory Jane.
Reserves: 16 - Dane Coles, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 - Jeremy Thrush, 19 - Scott Waldrom, 20 - Tyson Keats, 21 - Willie Ripia, 22 - Brett Mather.
REFEREE: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)