Smith to lead the Cheetahs

The Cheetahs will be led by inspirational captain and flanker Juan Smith against the Hurricanes in Saturday's Super 14 match in Bloemfontein.

The Cheetahs will be led by inspirational captain and flanker Juan Smith against the Hurricanes in Saturday's Super 14 match in Kimberley.

Smith pulled out of the Cheetahs' Australasian tour due to a knee injury suffered in Round Three, and only returned to Super 14 action against the Stormers at Newlands two weeks ago.

The Springbok star was expected to start that game, but ended up playing from the bench at the last minute and only made an impact in the second half where he set up two tries.

This Saturday sees him back in the number seven jersey, although he won't be opposing Jerry Collins who has been ruled out with a rib injury.

Forgotten Springbok full-back Bevin Fortuin also makes a return after he missed the first nine games because of a serious hip injury incurred in the Currie Cup last year.

Hennie Daniller retains his place in the number fifteen jumper, so Fortuin will act as cover from the bench.

Conrad Barnard will start at fly-half on his home ground and Falie Oelschig resumes his role as the Cheetahs' starting scrum-half. An injury to Jacques-Louis Potgieter means Tewis de Bruyn will cover number ten duties from the bench.

Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Eddie Fredericks, 13 JW Jonker, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Conrad Barnard, 9 Noel Oelschig, 8 Duanne Vermeulen, 7 Juan Smith (c), 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Barend Pieterse, 4 Rory Duncan, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Wiaan du Preez.
Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Bees Roux, 18 David de Villiers, 19 Hendro Scholtz, 20 Tewis de Bruin, 21 Hendrik Meyer, 22 Bevin Fortuin.

Date: Saturday, April 26
Venue: Kimberley
Kick-off: 15:00 (14:00 BST, 13:00 GMT)
Referee: Ian Smith (Australia)
Touch judges: Paul Marks (Australia), Marius Jonker (South Africa)
Television match official: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)