Frans Steyn pulls out of crucial Cheetahs clash with injury

The Cheetahs were forced into a late change just hours ahead of the crucial Super Rugby unlocked encounter with the Sharks. Veteran, two-time World Cup-winning utility back Frans Steyn has had to cry off with a groin injury - report Rugby 365.

Steyn has been replaced in the starting XV for the Round Five Super Rugby Unlocked encounter in Durban by Chris Smit.

Howard Mnisi moves onto the replacement bench. The cruel blow deprives the match of one of its most delectable head-to-head battles – Marius Louw versus Frans Steyn.

The Cheetahs is the only unbeaten team in the competition – with two wins and a draw, the latter the result of their cancelled match against the Lions.

The Cheetahs are in second place on the standings, on 11 points – four behind the table-topping Bulls.

They must beat the Sharks in Durban on Friday and the Stormers in Cape Town next week if they are to stay alive in the Unlocked race.

Cheetahs – revised: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Malcolm Jaer, 13 William Small-Smith, 12 Chris Smit, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Aidon Davis, 7 Junior Pokomela (captain), 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 JP du Preez, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Luan de Bruin, 2 Reinach Venter, 1 Charles Marais.

Replacements: 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Teboho Mohoje, 20 Jeandré Rudolph, 21 Ruben de Haas, 22 Reinhardt Fortuin, 23 Howard Mnisi.

Date: Friday, November 6

Venue: Kings Park, Durban

Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)

Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni

Assistant referees: Marius van der Westhuizen, Paul Mente

TMO: Marius Jonker