Keith Lowen will wear enemy colours when he runs onto Waikato Stadium for Friday night's Super 14 match in Hamilton.
Long-time Waikato midfield back Lowen will play at second five-eighth for the Cheetahs in his first start for the South African franchise in three weeks.
The Lowen -- who notched more than 50 games in several seasons of Super 12 rugby with the Chiefs -- is one of five new players introduced to the starting lineup from the Cheetahs side who were humbled 53-17 by the Crusaders last weekend.
He comes in for Barry Goodes while Giscard Pieters will start on the right wing in place of Eddie Fredericks.
The Cheetahs have revamped their loose forward combination, with coach Rassie Erasmus moving lock Barend Pieterse to flank in place of Ockie van Zyl while Kabamba Floors comes in for Frans Viljoen, with captain Ryno van der Merwe shifting from the side of the scrum to No 8.
The sizeable Pieterse played flank in the match against the Stormers and has also played the position at Currie Cup level. Corniel van Zyl will take over from Pieterse at lock. Floors' inclusion is an indication that Erasmus wants quicker possession from the breakdown.
The other change sees Springboks veteran Os du Randt make way for Ollie le Roux at loosehead prop.
Cheetahs: Bevin Fortuin, Giscard Pieters, Ronnie Cooke, Keith Lowen, Gaffie du Toit, Willem de Waal, Falie Oelschig, Ryno van der Merwe (captain), Barend Pieterse, Kabamba Floors, Corniel van Zyl, Cobus Grobler, Jannie du Plessis, Tiaan Liebenberg, Ollie le Roux. Reserves: Wian du Preez, Os du Randt, Ockie van Zyl, Gareth Krause, Michael Claassens, Meyer Bosman, Eddie Fredericks.
NZPA