Free State Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské named an unchanged team for their crucial Currie Cup encounter Blue Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.

Following his team’s demolition of Griquas last week Drotské opted to stick with a winning formula for a match that could see them overtake the Sharks at the top of the standings.

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The Cheetahs are second, two points behind the Sharks (14) and ahead of Western Province on points difference only, as the competition reaches the halfway stage.

Drotské said they “desperately” needed the win last Saturday.

“After the [15-18] loss to the Sharks [in Week Three] we were a bit under pressure,” the Cheetahs coach told this website.

“The guys responded very well and the five points we got put us back into contention.

“I am very happy with the game this past weekend.”

Drotské was adamant his side had to carry the momentum into their game at Loftus Versfeld.

“We targeted our games against Griquas and the Blue Bulls as games we need five points from if we are to achieve our goal of reaching the knock out stages,” said Drotské.

“We know the Bulls game is going to be difficult. We were tested against Griquas and the team performed. Now we must take that momentum and use it against the Bulls.”

Free State Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Riaan Smit, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Elgar Watts, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Pieter Labuschagne, 6 Johannes Prinsloo (Captain), 5 Lodewyk De Jager, 4 Teboho Mohoje, 3 Rossouw De Klerk, 2 Hercu Liebenberg, 1 Trevor Nyakane.
Replacements: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 Wian Du Preez, 18 Waltie Vermeulen, 19 Davon Raubenheimer, 20 Kevin Luiters, 21 Willie Du Plessis, 22 Piet Lindeque.

Date: Saturday 7 September 2013
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 17:05 SA Time (15:05 GMT)
Referee: Stuart Berry
Assistant referees: Marius Jonker, Cobus Wessels
TMO: Tappe Henning with W Vos in training