Lions coach Johan Ackermann has named his side to face the Blues in Super Rugby this weekend, making sweeping changes to his backline, including a completely new back three.
In perhaps the most anticipated switch, Marnitz Boshoff moves from fullback into the flyhalf position that he occupied with some panache earlier in the season. Elton Jantjies, who looked a little underdone against the Sharks last week, moves to the bench. Coenie van Wyk earns a first start at fullback, while Courtnall Skosan and JW Jonker come in as the wings. Ruan Combricnk (bench) and Chrysander Botha (stands) lose their starting spots as a result.
Rotational changes to the pack see Robbie Coetzee start at hooker ahead of Willie Wepener and Willie Britz come in at blindside flank for Warrick Tecklenberg.
Lions:
15. Coenie van Wyk
14. JW Jonker
13. Deon van Rensburg
12. Stefan Watermeyer
11. Courtnall Skosan
10. Marnitz Boshoff
9. Faf de Klerk
8. Warren Whiteley (c)
7. Willie Britz
6. Jaco Kriel
5. Franco van der Merwe
4. Franco Mostert
3. Julian Redelinghuys
2. Robbie Coetzee
1. Schalk van der Merwe
16. Willie Wepener
17. Corne Fourie
18. Ruan Dreyer
19. MB Lusaseni
20. Warwick Tecklenburg
21. Ross Cronje
22. Elton Jantjies
23. Ruan Combrinck
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Glad to see Boshoff back at 10. Hope the Blues get klapped, they cost me an LMS lifeline!
Not sure how quick Skosan is but overall the backs lack pace. Starting with Britz and Coetzee should help with ball retention up front, hopefully we don’t play off the back foot again for the first 60 minutes.
Boshoff at 10 was always on the cards with Jantjies given a first run after injury in an away game last week before the series of home games, especially with the wet weather prevailing in GP.
Thats a solid if not spectacular side. Its a good balanced team though but not sure how much of a threat they will pose. If they kick away all possession it will a long day
How anyone can select Deon v/Rensburg at 13 is beyond rugby comprehension……the Blues should walk this one with ease