Lions rush back their Boks
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Golden Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen wasted no time in calling up a couple of returning Springboks.
Scrumhalf Nic Groom will lead the Lions for the first time since joining the Johannesburg side, when they take on the Pumas in a Currie Cup game in Nelspruit on Friday.
The Lions team welcomes back two Boks - flyhalf Elton Jantjies and centre Lionel Mapoe.
The Lions, currently fourth on the standings, have to earn at least two points against the Pumas to guarantee themselves a place in the play-offs.
The Lions are on 16 points in fourth place and the Pumas on 12 points just behind them.
According to Groom, the two weeks off was good timing for the team and that they are ready to bounce back.
"A lot of this week has been about us and not where or who we play," the scrumhalf said.
"You can't control the referee or the field or the crowd.
"We are really just inwardly focused."
* Meanwhile It has been confirmed that Boks Ross Cronje (shoulder surgery) and Andries Coetzee (ankle) will not feature on the playing field again this year.
Another Bok unavailable is No.8 Warren Whiteley, who has been sidelined with a groin injury he suffered during the Rugby Championship.
The only Boks released for Currie Cup duty that will not feature in Nelspruit is wing Aphiwe Dyantyi.
Golden Lions: 15 Sylvian Mahuza, 14 Wandisile Simelane, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Howard Mnisi, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Nic Groom (captain), 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Jo-Hanko de Villiers, 6 James Venter, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Rhyno Herbst, 3 Jacobie Adriaanse, 2 Corne Fourie, 1 Sithembiso Sithole.
Replacements: 16 Pieter Jansen, 17 Danie Mienie, 18 Chergin Fillies, 19 Driaan Bester, 20 Len Massyn, 21 Dillon Smit, 22 Shaun Reynolds.
Date: Friday, October 12
Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant referees: Stephan Geldenhuys, Johre Botha
TMO: Marius Jonker