Lions bolster bench for Griquas clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions welcome back some experienced players for their Super Rugby Unlocked clash against Griquas on Friday.

In the starting line-up, Elton Jantjies will captain the Lions during their first home game of the season at Ellis Park

The Springboks flyhalf Jantjies made a full recovery after his injury scare last week when he sustained a grade 1 calf injury during training.

The starting line-up sees Gianni Lombard in the number 15 jersey while Stean Pienaar and Courtnall Skosan will patrol the side-lines at wing.

Wandisile Simelane will join forces with Dan Kriel at the centre.

In the pack, MJ Pelser gets the nod as for the number 6 jumper.

On the bench Springboks Jannie du Plessis, Jaco Kriel and Ross Cronjé are some of the big names set to make their first run of the Super Rugby Unlocked season.

Lions: 15 Gianni Lombard; 14 Stean Pienaar, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Courtnall Skosan; 10 Elton Jantjies (captain), 9 Morné van den Berg; 8 Len Massyn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 MJ Pelser, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sti Sithole.

Replacments: 16 PJ Botha, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18 Jannie du Plessis, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Jaco Kriel, 21 Ross Cronjé, 22 Burger Odendaal, 23 Tiaan Swanepoel.

Date: Friday, October 30

Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen

Assistant Referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron, Stuart Berry

TMO: Jaco Peyper