Wholesale changes as Lions hunt win at Ellis Park

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has named a new starting XV for their European Challenge Cup Round Two clash against Newcastle Falcons at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Part of the changes sees Sanele Nohamba take the role of flyhalf for this weekend's match.

The formers Sharks scrumhalf replaces last weekend's match-winner Jordan Hendrikse.

The flyhalf,  who kicked 23 of the Lions' 28 points during the win over Perpignan in France last weekend, moves to the bench.

Nohamba will link up with scrumhalf Morne van den Berg.

Centre Marius Louw takes the reins as captain. He partners with Rynhardt Jonker in the midfield.

Quan Horn has been given the nod at fullback, with Richard Kriel at the right wing and Rabz Maxwane moving the left.

Maxwane is the only player who retains his spot in the starting line-up.

In the front row of Asenathi Ntlabakanye, PJ Botha and JP Smith will lead the pack.

Veteran Willem Alberts gets a start and he is partned at lock by Darrien Landsberg

Completing the forward pack is the loose trio of Francke Horne, Ruan Venter and Emmanuel Tshituka.

Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Rynhardt Jonker, 12 Marius Louw (captain), 11 Rabz Maxwane, 10 Sanele Nohamba, 9 Morne Van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Emmanuel Tshituka 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Williem Alberts, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 JP Smith.

Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 Morgan Naude, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Raynard Roets, 20 Hanry Sirgel, 21 JC Pretorius, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Gianni Lombard.

Date: Saturday, September 16

Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 17.15 (15.15 UK time, 15.15 GMT)

Referee: Benoit Rousselet (France)

Assistant referees: Morne Ferreira (South Africa) & Filippo Russo (Italy)

TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)