Ackermann 'discards' rotation policy

The Lions, leaders in Africa Group Two, host the Stormers (leaders in Africa One) at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The Stormers top the combined African standings, five points ahead of the Lions.

Ackermann named the same starting XV and bench that beat the Sharks in Durban last week - the first time this season that the same team will take the field on two consecutive weekends.

"We are very happy that we can pick the same side as last week," Ackermann said.

"We opted for continuity, as it brings stability amongst other things.

"Thus we decided not the use our rotational system this week,"  the coach added.

Jaco Kriel has been included in the starting line-up after a knock on his arm.

He will undergo a late fitness test on Friday.

Lions: 15 Jaco Van Der Walt, 14 Ruan Combrinck, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Ross Cronje, 8 Warren Whiteley (captain), 7 Warwick Tecklenburg, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Andries Ferreira, 3 Julian Redelinghuys, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Dylan Smith.

Replacements: 16 Armand van der Merwe, 17 Corne Fourie, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Ruan Ackermann, 20 Cyle Brink, 21 Francois de Klerk, 22 Howard Mnisi, 23 Andries Coetzee.

Date: Saturday, April 16

Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 19.15 (17.15 GMT)

Referee: Stuart Berry (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Lesego Legoete (South Africa), Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa)

TMO: Willie Vos (South Africa)