The Lions have rung the changes for Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup match against the Newcastle Red Bulls at Kingston Park.
After opening their campaign with a 26-18 defeat to Benetton at Ellis Park, the Joburg-based side has made several personnel adjustments.
WJ Steenkamp takes over the captaincy and starts at No 8, with flanker Siba Qoma returning to the starting line-up and Renzo du Plessis completing a reshuffled back row.
The centre pairing sees Richard Kriel link up with Manuel Rass, while Rabz Maxwane returns on the right wing.
There is also a change at fullback, where Gianni Lombard is named in the No 15 jersey with Quan Horn rested.
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PJ Botha is back among the replacements to provide cover at hooker, while loan recruit Leon Lyons is set to make his European debut for the Lions as an impact player.
Kick-off on Saturday is at 7:30pm (SA time).
LIONS – 15 Gianni Lombard, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Sam Francis, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 WJ Steenkamp (c), 7 Siba Qoma, 6 Renzo du Plessis, 5 Rubem Schoeman, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 RF Schoeman, 2 Morne Brandon, 1 Eddie Davids.
Bench: 16 PJ Botha, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Jarod Cairns, 21 Haashim Pead, 22 Lubabalo Dobela, 23 Rynhard Jonker.
Photo: Gallo Images
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