Jantjies leads Bok-laden Lions against Sharks

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springboks flyhalf Elton Jantjies will lead an experienced Lions team when they host the Sharks in their second home game of the Preparation Series on Saturday.

The Lions, coached by Mzwikhe Nkosi and assistant Wessel Roux, made wholesale changes following their win over the EP Elephants.

The Gauteng side have been boosted by Springboks Jantjies, wing Courtnall Skosan, Willem Alberts and Ruan Dreyer.

While Springboks veteran Jannie du Plessis has been named in the bench.

Fred Zeilinga has also been added on the bench.

The former Cheetahs star, who joined the Gauteng side on a four-week trial period, will have an opportunity to prove himself.

Youngster Ngia Selengbe secured a starting berth after catching the eye in the win against the EP Elephants.

Lions: 15 Tiaan Swanepoel; 14 Ngia Selengbe, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Courtnall Skosan; 10 Elton Jantjies (captain), 9 André Warner; 8 Francke Horn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 MJ Pelser, 5 Wilhelm van der Sluys, 4 Willem Alberts, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jan-Henning Campher, 1 Ruan Dreyer.

Replacements: PJ Botha, Nathan McBeth, Jannie du Plessis, Reinhard Nothnagel, Sibusiso Sangweni, Ross Cronjé, Fred Zeilinga, Dan Kriel.

Date: Saturday, March 20

Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 16.15 (14.15 GMT)

Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge

Assistant Referees: AJ Jacobs, Griffin Colby

TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen