Cape Town - Sias Ebersohn will start at flyhalf for the Cheetahs against the Chiefs, whether Johan Goosen recovers from a shoulder injury or not.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské told the Volksblad newspaper they have already decided to start with Ebersohn against the second placed Chiefs.

Ebersohn played almost 40 minutes last week against the Lions when he replaced the injured Goosen, which is sure to stand him in good stead for this weekend.

He has been a substitute in all of the Cheetahs' games this Super Rugby season, with a combined playing time of only 80 minutes in seven games.

Drotské said they will decide on Friday whether the injured Goosen is fit enough to make the substitutes bench.

Meanwhile, Springbok loose forward Ashley Johnson will also be shifted to the bench. Johnson had a poor game against the Lions and the coach feels he could be better utilised as an impact player.

Kick-off is at 17:05 on Saturday.