Lions bring in Alberts for Pumas clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has made several changes to his side that will host the Pumas at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The pack of forwards will see Springboks Ruan Dreyer and Willem Alberts get a start as part of the squad system to give everyone a run.

Reinhard Nothnagel also comes into the starting team at lock.

The backline sports two changes with Ross Cronjé and Tiaan Swanepoel getting the nod.

It has been confirmed that Gianni Lombard ruptured his right ACL in the game against the Bulls and will be out of action for nine months.

Lions: 15 Tiaan Swanepoel, 14 Stean Pienaar, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Courtnall Skosan; 10 Elton Jantjies (captain), 9 Ross Cronje, 8 Len Massyn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 MJ Pelser, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Willem Alberts, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Ruan Dreyer.

Replacements: 16 Jan-Henning Campher, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Wiehahn Herbst, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Hacjivah Dayimani, 21 Andre Warner, 22 Dan Kriel, 23 Divan Rossouw.

Date: Saturday, November 14

Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 16.30 (14.30 GMT)

Referee: AJ Jacobs

Assistant referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron, Morne Ferreira

TMO: Willie Vos