Cape Town - Griquas flyhalf Burton Francis will join the Cheetahs on their Australasian tour after an injury to Elgar Watts.

Last month Francis was still part of the Kings' Super Rugby plans but he has since joined Griquas for the Vodacom Cup competition.

According to Volksblad, Watts injured his hamstring in training on Monday which prompted the Cheetahs to call up the 26-year-old Francis as they prepare to face defending champions, the Chiefs, on Saturday. Francis previously played Super Rugby for the Bulls, Stormers and Lions.

Apart from Watts, the other Cheetahs flyhalves currently in New Zealand are Johan Goosen (first choice) and Riaan Smit. Smit, however, is mostly viewed as a versatile backline player.

Their clash against the Chiefs in Hamilton kicks off at 08:35 (SA time) on Saturday morning.