Lions get key players back for Stormers clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Vincent Tshituka will start at blindside flank when the Lions faces the Stormers at Ellis Park in Round 12 of the United Rugby Championship on Saturday.

Joining Tshituka from injury is playmaker Jordan Hendrikse, who forms part of the matchday 23 and could get an opportunity to feature from the replacements bench.

Lions mentor Ivan van Rooyen welcomed the return of his two squad members.

"We are pleased to have Vince and Jordan back in the URC setup. They've recovered and trained well over the past few weeks, so we look forward to their involvement once more."

Van Rooyen lauded his side's effort against the Bulls a week ago, which he believes bodes well come Saturday against an opposition they got the better of before the festive break.

"As a group we felt our overall attitude and intensity went up a notch against the Bulls. It's the kind of momentum we’re eager to take into Saturday on the back of a positive week of training," he concluded.

Elsewhere, inside centre Burger Odendaal makes a return to the starting XV after missing the trip to Pretoria last week due to concussion protocols. Seasoned prop forward JP Smith could get an opportunity to make his competition debut.

Lions: 15 EW Viljoen, 14 Stean Pienaar, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Tiaan Swanepoel, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel (captain), 5 Ruben Schoeman, 4 Ruhan Straeuli, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Ruan Dreyer.

Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 JP Smith, 18 Jannie du Plessis, 19 Ruan Venter, 20 Emmanuel Tshituka, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Wandisile Simelane.

Date: Saturday, February 12

Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen

Assistant referees: Aimee Barret-Theron, Paul Mente

TMO: Marius Jonker