John Mitchell has announced his side to face the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday night with Josh Strauss bracketed in with Warren Whiteley at the back of the scrum as the captain returns from injury.
The Lions are without Derick Minnie and Strauss’ return will be great timing in this regard, with Michael Rhodes replacing Minnie on the side of the scrum. Should Strauss not be fit enough to lead his team, Baywatch Grobbelaar will take the captains arm band.
Other than the aforementioned changes, the Lions will be at full strength as they look to kick on from the great first round they had and build momentum into the latter half of the Currie Cup.
Lions: Jaco Taute; Deon van Rensburg, Lionel Mapoe, Alwyn Hollenbach, Michael Kilian, Elton Jantjies, Michael Bondesio, Josh Strauss/Warren Whiteley, Michael Rhodes, Baywatch Grobbelaar, Franco van der Merwe, Wikus van Heerden, Pat Cilliers, Bandise Maku, JC van Rensburg.
Reserves: Jacobie Adriaanse, Martin Bezuidenhout, Joe Snyman, Josh Strauss/Warren Whiteley, Jaco Kriel, Doppies la Grange, Burton Francis.
I wonder how bad the Doppies injury still is?
He did not come on against the Sharks, did he?
their record against Pumas is not that good so I guess “taking no chances” approach is a good one.
@rekinek (Comment 2) : Actually not quite true, we have played them 9 times in CC, and won 7 of those.
Our last 3 clashes, though have been close, 2 wins and a loss, all 3 within 7 points.