The Cats side to take on the high-flying Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday has a youthful look about it, with coach Frans Ludeke vowing to stick with the youngsters.

In the most significant change to the side that was trashed by the Highlanders last weekend Springbok flyhalf Louis Koen has been axed and his place goes to the exciting Andre Pretorius. The SA Sevens star has shown glimpses of his undeniable attacking prowess in his appearances as substitute this season, but on Saturday he will get his first start.

Outside centre Rudi Coetzee will make his debut in place of Gcobani Bobo, who will spend the rest of the season on the sideline after tearing knee ligaments in the defeat to the Highlanders. Veteran former Springbok centre Danie van Schalkwyk will be on his inside, replacing Eugene Meyer.

In another change to the backline Boland speedster John Daniels will make his first start after scoring two tries in appearances as substitute. He is in for Friedrich Lombaard, who has battled to show his true qualities in a battling side.

Willie Meyer returns at tighthead after serving a one-match suspension. Lawrence Sephaka (pictured) will also get his first start this season at loosehead, replacing Heinrich Kok.

Ludeke promised to give the young side a decent chance to settle down. "They are our future. We will stick with them. The combination of André, Danie van Schalkwyk and Rudi has been working together for the past few months, mostly simulating roles in defence. They have never been split as a unit, so they have a good understanding at the moment."

Cats: Conrad Jantjes, John Daniels, Rudi Coetzee, Danie van Schalkwyk, Dean Hall, André Pretorius, Deon de Kock, Russel Winter, Wikus van Heerden, Piet Krause, Willem Stoltz, Jannes Labuschagne (capt), Willie Meyer, Leon Boshoff, Lawrence Sephaka. Substitutes: Jorrie Muller, Louis Koen, Grant Bartle, Lodewyk Hattingh, Boela du Plooy, Baksteen Nell, Delarey du Preez.