Pumas spring surprise at flyhalf for Lions clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pumas have made minor changes for their Currie Cup round two clash against Lions on Friday.

At the back of a statement win over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has opted to stick to his winning formula.

However, he made two changes which sees former Glasgow Warriors flyhalf Brandon Thomson added to the starting line-up.

Thomson, who also played for the Stormers, replaces Tinus de Beer.

The other change sees University of Western Cape alum Lundi Msenge comes in for Sebastian de Klerk at right wing.

The pack is unchanged, while Shane Kirkwood dons the captain's armband.

Pumas: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Lundi Msenge, 13 Diego Appollis, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Jade Stighling, 10 Brandon Thomson, 9 Giovan Snyman, 8 Kwanda Dimaza, 7 Francois Kleinhans, 6 Andre Fouché, 5 Shane Kirkwood (captain), 4 Deon Slabbert, 3 Njabulo Gumede, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Corne Fourie.

Replacements: 16 Llewellyn Classen, 17 Etienne Janeke, 18 Simon Raw, 19 Malembe Mpofu, 20 Ruwald van der Merwe, 21 Chriswill September, 22 Ethan Fisher

23 Stefan Coetzee.

Date: Friday, March 17

Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

Kick-off: 17.00; 15.00 GMT

Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron

Assistant Referees: Local

TMO: Quinton Immelman