The Lions have overhauled their starting XV, making 14 changes for Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup opener against the Ospreys in Swansea.
Nico Steyn is set to lead Ivan van Rooyen’s charges, who will aim to bounce back from last week’s loss to Munster in the Vodacom URC. In their last visit to the Welsh city, the Pride fell 36-21 to the Ospreys.
Morgan Naude, Franco Marais, and Conrad van Vuuren pack down in the front row, while Darrien Landsberg returns from injury to partner Etienne Oosthuizen in the second row.
WJ Steenkamp shifts to No 8, taking over from Francke Horn, with Izan Esterhuizen and JC Pretorius completing the loose trio.
Steyn pairs with Sam Francis at halfback, with Francis stepping in for the injured Kade Wolhuter.
Edwill van der Merwe and Quan Horn are unavailable, paving the way for Tapiwa Mafura at fullback and Rabz Maxwane on the left wing. Richard Kriel, the only player retained from the previous match, completes the back three.
Erich Cronje and Rynhardt Jonker will combine in midfield as the Lions look to start their European campaign strongly.
Subs: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Renzo du Plessis, 21 Ruhan Straeuli, 22 Sanele Nohamba, 23 Marius Louw.
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The Lions have overhauled their starting XV, making 14 changes for Saturday’s @ChallengeCup opener against the Ospreys in Swansea.
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