Centre Henco van Wyk returns as one of six changes to the Lions starting XV for Saturday’s URC Jukskei derby against the Bulls in Pretoria.
Coach Ivan van Rooyen has also named a new-look second row in Dylan Sjoblom and Hyron Andrews for the clash at Loftus Versfeld.
Three changes among the backs see starts for Springboks Morné van den Berg at scrumhalf and fullback Quan Horn.
Richard Kriel shifts to the wing, replacing the in-form Erich Cronjé due to injury. Ethan Adams will partner Van Wyk in the midfield.
The bench will potentially see the injection of power and pace in the form of Batho Hlekani and Siba Mahashe. Nico Steyn and Boeta Chamberlain will provide backline cover.
PLUS: Kriel keen on Bok challenge at Loftus
The third-placed Lions are unbeaten after two rounds in the competition and hit the road following last week’s 35-19 win over the Ospreys at Ellis Park, while the Bulls will look to bounce back from a 26-22 loss to Munster in Limerick.
The seventh-placed Herd are currently the best attacking team in the URC with 69 points scored to 62 by the Lions. Johan Ackermann’s men also boast a better defensive record with 39 points conceded so far to 45.
TEAM: Bulls get Bok injection for Jukskei derby
Van Rooyen’s Pride were 43-33 victors in their Ellis Park meeting last year, before the Bulls avenged that defeat in January with a 52-17 triumph.
LIONS – 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Richard Kriel, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Francke Horne (c), 7 Siba Qoma, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Sebastian Lombard, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Boan Venter.
Bench: 16 Morné Brandon, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 JP du Preez, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Siba Mahashe, 22 Nico Steyn, 23 Boeta Chamberlain.
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
The post Lions switch up for Loftus showdown appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Centre Henco van Wyk returns as one of six changes to the Lions starting XV for Saturday’s URC Jukskei derby against the Bulls in Pretoria.
The post Lions switch up for Loftus showdown appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
