Francois Hougaard has survived an injury scare to be named in the starting lineup for the Bulls' Super 15 match against the Cheetahs at Loftus.

The Springbok speedster, who has played most of the season on the wing, was the clear favourite to fill the scrumhalf void after a serious knee injury to Fourie du Preez. But when Hougaard twisted an ankle at training on Tuesday, the Bulls appeared to have a major crisis on their hands.

However, Hougaard's injury was not as serious as initially thought and the 23-year-old will wear the No9 jersey for Saturday's must-win clash. But Du Preez will still be missed.

"It was amazing for Fourie to play 50 minutes with that leg - it was unbelievable with a torn ligament," Bulls captain Victor Matfield said. "Of course we'll miss him; he's one of the top players in the world.

"That said, Francois Hougaard is probably the back-up scrumhalf for the Boks - second best in the country - so we are very happy that we've got him. It's also a great chance for him to play there every week now and show what he can do; so we're very lucky."

The Bulls, as defending champions, are in danger of not even qualifying for the play-offs.

They lie third in the South African conference behind the Stormers and Sharks, and eighth on the combined standings, so every week is a must-win.

"Week in week out it's the same ... we have got to win this weekend," Matfield said.

Akona Ndungane returns from injury to slot in on the wing in place of Hougaard.

Zane Kirchner has recovered from a bout of flu and will take up his place at fullback, with Gerhard van den Heever dropping to the bench.

Bulls Vodacom Cup scrumhalf Dustin Jinka comes onto the bench.

In the only change to the forwards, Dewald Potgieter returns to the side on the scrum as Danie Rossouw takes up his place on the bench.

The Cheetahs made two changes to the side that beat the Rebels - their fourth win on the trot.

Philip Snyman takes the place of Ryno Benjamin, who was given a two-week suspension for head-butting Rebels captain Stirling Mortlock.

Snyman will swap positions with Riaan Viljoen, who will move to the left wing with Snyman covering on the right.

Injured Wilhelm Steenkamp is replaced by Martin Muller at lock.

The Bulls know they will be in for a tough game against the revitalised Free State side.