Odendaal takes centre stage for Lions against Stormers

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his team to face the Stormers in their Rainbow Cup SA match in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Centre Burger Odendaal will lead the team and he takes over the No.12 jersey from Dan Kriel.

The other change to the backline sees Jordan Hendrikse get the all-important No.10 jersey with Fred Zeilinga dropping to the bench.

In the pack, hooker Jaco Visagie joins Carlu Sadie and Sithembiso Sithole in the front row.

Springbok Willem Alberts also returns and he will play off the bench.

"We look forward to playing our first home game of the competition," said Van Rooyen.

"The players have all worked hard and we look forward to a great clash."

Lions: 15 EW Viljoen, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal (captain), 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 André Warner, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 MJ Pelser, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sithembiso Sithole.

Replacements: 16 PJ Botha, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Willem Alberts, 20 Emmanuel Tshituka, 21 Morné van den Berg, 22 Fred Zeilinga, 23 Dan Kriel.

Date: Saturday, May 15

Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 13.30 (11.30 GMT)

Referee: AJ Jacobs

Assistant Referees: Rasta Rashivenge, Morne Ferreira

TMO: Cwengile Jadezweni