Ahead of their important United Rugby Championship clash against the Sharks at Ellis Park this Saturday, Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has made four changes to his starting lineup, two of which are due to injuries, while the other two are tactical adjustments.
Injury Forces Changes in the Backline
The Lions will be without fullback Quan Horn and centre Henco van Wyk, both of whom have been ruled out through injury.
To fill their spots, Tapiwa Mafura steps into the fullback position, while Manuel Rass takes over in midfield, bringing a fresh dynamic to the Lions’ attack.
Forward Pack Adjustments for the Lions
In the forward pack, former Blitzbok JC Pretorius returns to the starting lineup at openside flank after missing last week’s match. He replaces Jarod Cairns.
Additionally, Ruben Schoeman is back in the second row after serving his suspension, and Etienne Oosthuizen will drop out of the matchday squad.
Francke Horn Leads the Lions
No 8 Francke Horn will continue as captain as the Lions find themselves in a do-or-die situation regarding their playoff hopes. The team is looking to bounce back with these strategic changes to maintain their push for the postseason.
Lions Starting XV and Bench
Here’s how the Lions will line up for the derby:
- Starting XV: 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (c), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Juan Schoeman.
- Bench: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Siba Qoma, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Jarod Cairns, 23 Rynardt Jonker.