Lions forced to change

Lions coach Johan Ackermann has made one change to his side that will play the Sharks in a Currie Cup crunch match at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Ackermann, however, could be forced to make more late changes to the side, as there are still some injury concerns.

There is uncertainty whether lock Michael Rhodes will replace the injured Hendrik Roodt, or whether Etienne Oosthuizen will partner veteran Franco van der Merwe in the second row.

Jaco Taute could make his return to the starting XV in the place of Alwyn Hollenbach.

Hollenbach is still nursing an injury and his selection for Saturday's match will be confirmed only on Friday.

There will be fitness tests for all the doubtful players on Friday.

Lions: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Deon Helberg, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Alwyn Hollenbach /Jaco Taute, 11 Ruan Combrinck, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Michael Bondesio, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Willie Britz, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Michael Rhodes/Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Jacobie Adriaanse, 2 Callie Visagie, 1  JC Janse van Rensburg (captain).

Replacements: 16 Bandise Maku, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Etienne Oosthuizen/Ruan Botha, 19 Jaco Kriel, 20  Ross Cronje, 21 Butch James, 22 Jaco Taute/Dylan des Fountain.

Date: Saturday, September 22

Venue: Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)

Referee: Jason Jaftha

Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper, Stefan Breytenbach

TMO: JC Fortuin