Lions bring in experienced prop for Pumas clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan Rooyen has tweaked his team to face the Pumas in their Currie Cup Round Six clash in Nelspruit on Saturday.

In the pack, the experienced Wiehahn Herbst comes into the starting team in the No.3 jersey with Jannie du Plessis dropping out of the matchday 23. Herbst will join Jaco Visagie and Dylan Smith in the front row.

In the back row, Vincent Tshituka is fit enough to get the No.7 jersey with Wilhelm van der Sluys staring on the bench.

Meanwhile, Marnus Schoeman makes a welcome return to the bench, as does Manuel Rass.

Carlu Sadie also makes a return to the matchday 23 and he will also be on the bench.

Lions: 15 Tiaan Swanepoel, 14 Stean Pienaar, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Cournall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies (captain), 9 André Warner, 8 Len Massyn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Willem Alberts, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Dylan Smith.

Replacements: 16 Jan-Henning Campher, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Wilhelm van der Sluys, 21 Morné van den Berg, 22 Manuel Rass, 23 Marnus Schoeman.

Date: Saturday, January 2

Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

Kick-off: 14.00 (12.00 GMT)

Referee: AJ Jacobs

Assistant Referees: Paul Mente, Morne Ferreira

TMO: Johan Greeff

Main photo:  Lions Rugby Co