Coach Ivan van Rooyen has made several enforced adjustments to the Lions side for Saturday’s Vodacom URC Juskei derby against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
In the pack, RF Schoeman starts at tighthead prop in place of Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who is unavailable due to Springbok duty. The Lions are also without Morne van den Berg, with Nico Steyn continuing at scrumhalf.
In the backline, Kelly Mpeku replaces the injured Angelo Davids, with Eduan Keyter shifting to the opposite wing.
There is further movement on the bench, where Eddie Davids is in line for his Lions debut after joining from Griquas, while Sibabalo Qoma returns from a long injury layoff and Haashim Pead is included as outside-back cover.
MORE: ‘Hungry’ Lions primed to face Bulls
The Lions enter the clash without a number of key players, including Juan Schoeman, Morgan Naude, Heiko Pohlman, Janco Uys, JC Pretorius, Angelo Davids and Izan Esterhuizen, all sidelined through injury.
Saturday’s derby is expected to be a major test for the eighth-placed Lions, who found form before the international break with consecutive wins over the Scarlets and previously unbeaten Ulster.
TEAM: Bulls welcome back Bok for Lions clash
The Bulls, meanwhile, sit sixth on the log and have reinforced their side with returning talent, including Springbok flanker Elrigh Louw.
This week also marks the first match since the retirement of hooker Jaco Visagie, who was forced to end his career due to a neck injury. His absence leaves a notable leadership gap in the squad.
ALSO: Lions flank eyes Bok return
LIONS – 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Eduan Keyter, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Francke Horn (c), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Jarod Cairns, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 RF Schoeman, 2 Franco Marais, 1 SJ Kotze.
Bench: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Renzo du Plessis, 21 Sibabalo Qoma, 22 Gianni Lombard, 23 Haashim Pead.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The post Lions forced into key changes for Bulls clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.