Lions change it up for Sunwolves

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Swys de Bruin made six changes to his side for the Super Rugby Round Six encounter with the Sunwolves in Singapore on Saturday.

There are a number of new combinations.

Sylvian Mahuza returns on the right wing and veteran Springbok centre Lionel Mapoe is back in the midfield - at No.12.

Nic Groom starts at scrumhalf.

Rhyno Herbst is at lock, while Ruan Vermaak will wear the No.8 jersey and Bok lock Stephan Lewies will slot in on the flank - changes necessitated by the injury-enforced absence of Albertus Smith.

Robbie Coetzee is included on the bench and returns after a lengthy injury lay-off.

Newcomer Wilhelm van der Sluys will also make his debut for the Lions should he take to the field from the bench.

Lions: 15 Tyrone Green, 14 Sylvian Mahuza, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Lionel Mapoe, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Ruan Vermaak, 7 Stephan Lewies, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Rhyno Herbst, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Malcolm Marx (captain), 1 Sithembiso Sithole.

Replacements to be confirmed.

Date: Saturday, March 23

Venue: International Stadium, Singapore

Kick-off: 19.55 (12.55 SA time, 10.55 GMT)

Referee: Damon Murphy (Australia)

Assistant referees: Shuhei Kubo (Japan), Tasuku Kawahara

TMO: Minoru Fuji

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