The Lions have been boosted ahead of their tour to the antipodes by the inclusion of both CJ van der Linde and JC van Rensburg in their squad. Both props have been missing in action since the early rounds of Super Rugby.
Out of the picture, though, is suspended Bok flyhalf Butch James, who would only be eligible to play in the very last match of the tour after picking up a four-week ban for a reckless charge last weekend. Also not in contention is scrumhalf Michal Bondesio, who’s still injured. Two former Durbanites, Tian Meyer and Ross Cronje, will tour as the options at 9.
Former Maties lock Grant Hattingh has also been named, after securing his spot with a superb debut performance for the Lions against the Brumbies on Friday night.
Lions squad:
Martin Bezuidenhout, Ruan Botha, Patric Cilliers, Andries Coetzee, Ruaan Combrinck, Ross Cronje, Cobus Grobbelaar, Grant Hattingh, Alwyn Hollenbach, JC Janse van Rensburg, Elton Jantjies, James Kamana, Michael Killian, Jaco Kriel, Doppies le Roux, Lionel Mapoe, Tian Meyer, Derek Minnie, Caylib Oosthuizen, Hendrik Roodt, Joshua Strauss, Jaco Taute, CJ van der Linde, Franco van der Merwe, Deon van Rensburg, Callie Visagie.
I hope Ruan Botha doesn’t brake. Baby Boks need him
@slammerboy (Comment 1) : you want him to just keep going?
@robdylan (Comment 2) : I mean break. Ha ha hey it’s still early
@slammerboy (Comment 3) : I enjoyed that
@slammerboy (Comment 1) : Yeah,if we will be any good in the lineouts,he must be fit
i wonder if butch has not had enough of rugby and has opted out that way from the 4 week tour.
@pete69 (Comment 6) : LOL… always possible