Lions pick URC laden Currie Cup side
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have opted for youth with Johannesburg-born Travis Gordon leading the side against WP at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Gordon, who for long has been earmarked to one day lead the Lions due to his excellent leadership abilities, will be joined by Sibusiso Sangweni and Ruan Delport in the back row.
The second row sees Pieter Janse van Vuren in a lock partnership with Darrien-Lane Landsberg.
The experienced front row of Sti Sithole, Jaco Visagie and Ruan Smith will add a United Rugby Championship boost to the team that boasts both youth and experience.
Another URC player, scrumhalf Morne van der Berg will form a halfback combination with young flyhalf Vaughan Isaacs.
Tyler Bocks and Matt More are the midfield duo, while Boldwin Hansen (left wing) and Stean Pienaar (right wing) and fullback Tiaan Swanepoel complete the back three.
Lions: 15 Tiaan Swanepoel, 14 Stean Pienaar, 13 Matt More, 12 Tyler Bocks, 11 Bodlwin Hansen, 10 Vaughan Isaacs, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Travis Gordon (captain), 7 Ruan Delport, 6 Sibusiso Sangweni, 5 Darrien-Lane Landsberg, 4 Pieter Janse van Vuren, 3 Ruan Smith, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sti Sithole.
Replacements: 16 Michael van Vuuren, 17 Morgan Naude, 18 Kabous Bezuidenhout, 19 Raynard Roets, 20 Ruhan Straeuli, 21 Jarod Cairns, 22 Nico Steyn, 23 Zeilinga Strydom
Date: Saturday, March 11
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 15:30 (13.30 GMT)
Referee: Griffin Colby
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen
