Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske has made just two changes, both in the forwards pack, for their vital Currie Cup clash with the front-running Lions at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein this weekend.

The Cheetahs were very impressive against Western Province at Newlands last week and it is no surprise that Drotske has opted for the same backline, with teenage sensation Johan Goosen set to go up against the impressive Elton Jantjies in what should be a fascinating battle between the young playmakers.

Phillip van der Walt comes back into the team to replace Boom Prinsloo at flank and Prinsloo will be joined on the replacements bench this week by Wilhelm Steenkamp who makes way for Francois Uys to reclaim his spot in the second row.

The Lions will be keen to bounce back from what was only their second defeat of the season last week but they will certainly have their work cut out for them against this Cheetahs team that has built up some good momentum in recent weeks.

The Bloemfontein side have managed to keep good continuity in their selections so far this season and they will be keen to make a statement ahead of the knockout phase of the competition against the log leaders.

Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Ryno Benjamin, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Philip Snyman, 11 Cameron Jacobs, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Piet van Zyl, 8 Ashley Johnson, 7 Philip van der Walt, 6 Pieter Labuschagne, 5 Izak van der Westhuizen, 4 Francois Uys, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Marcel van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Hercu Liebenberg, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Boom Prinsloo, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Sias Ebersohn, 22 Andries Strauss.

Date: Saturday 1 October
Kick-off: 15:00 SA Time
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Referee: Marius Jonker
TMO: Johan Meuwesen