Wholesale changes for Lions
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Mziwakhe Nkosi has made wholesale changes to the team that will face the Bulls at Ellis Park on Wednesday.
The new-look Lions team show four backline changes and another five modifications in the pack.
In the backline, James Molentze and Luke Rossouw will replace Manuel Rass and Matt More as the new centre pair.
Lions speedster Boldwin Hansen will make a return in the No.14 jersey.
Hansen last featured against the Sharks nearly a month ago in a match that saw him register a five-pointer for his side.
It’s a first start of the season for exciting loose-forward Lindo Ncusane who’ll combine with Mark Snyman and the in-form Wits and former Lions U19 captain Cal Smid in the backrow.
Asenathi Ntlabakanye takes over the captain's armband by Springbok Jannie du Plessis.
The captain is joined by hooker Morne Brandon and prop Kayden Kiewit as the new front row trio.
Head coach Nkosi believes this year’s competition theme has been about providing young players the opportunity to launch their careers.
“History has shown time and time again that the Currie Cup has earned many players call-ups to international club competitions and national honours,” explained Nkosi.
“We’ve consistently backed our youngsters within our system, and this is something we’ve been bold about from the start of our campaign,” he adds.
“We’ll be up for it against a very good Bulls side. There are a few guys in the match 23 who’ll be eager to impress and make the most of the opportunity"y.
Lions: 15 EW Viljoen, 14 Boldwin Hansen, 13 James Molentze, 12 Luke Rossouw, 11 Zeilinga Strydom, 10 James Tedder, 9 Ginter Smuts, 8 Cal Smid, 7 Lindo Ncusane, 6 Mark Snyman, 5 Simon Dionisio, 4 Lunga Ncube, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye (captain), 2 Morne Brandon, 1 Kayden Kiewit.
Replacements: 16 Ebot Buma, 17 Jacque-Lois du Toit, 18 Chergin Fillies/Kabous Bezuidenhout, 19 Connor Van Buuren, 20 Sasko Ndlovu, 21 Jurich Claasens, 22 Tyler Bocks, 23 Fred Zeilinga/ Vaughen Isaacs.
Date: Wednesday, March 23
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 20.00 (18.00 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Referees: Paul Mente, Local
TMO: Egon Seconds