Lions bracket their Bok on the bench
The Lions’ World Cup Springbok, flyhalf Butch James, has been bracketed on the bench ahead of the Johannesburg team’s final Currie Cup league fixture.
The Lions, already secured of first place on the standings, face the Sharks in Durban on Saturday and seven of the of the team’s regular starters are being rested.
James, who returned with the rest of the Bok team from their failed World Cup campaign in New Zealand, has been bracketed with midfielder Alwyn Hollenbach.
“Butch must first undergo the usual tests,” Lions team manager Mustapha Boomgaard said. “If he’s fit we’d like him to be part of our preparations in case he’s in the mix for the play-offs.”
The Lions were further boosted by the return of Springbok Wikus van Heerden, who is back in the starting XV after his knee surgery earlier in the season.
“He [Van Heerden] is fit and ready, but should anything go wrong before the match David Bulbring will start again,” Boomgaard said.
The Lions have already qualified for a home semifinal – the first time since 1999 – and will also host the Currie Cup Final should they advance to the competition’s showcase event.
Coach John Mitchell has decided to give some of those who have worked hardest during the season a break.
“It also gives other players the chance under match conditions, something which could be important in the play-offs if any of the regular players are injured,” explained Boomgaard, before adding: “This is in no way an indication that we underestimate the Sharks.”
Behind the scrum only Jaco Taute, Deon van Rensburg, Doppies la Grange and Michael Bondesio retain their places, with Dylan Des Fountain, James Kamana and Burton Francis coming in for Hollenbach, Michael Killian and Elton Jantjies, respectively.
Up front tighthead Patric Cilliers, hooker Bandise Maku, flank Derick Minnie and lock Franco van der Merwe are being rested and are replaced by Jacobie Adriaanse, Martin Bezuidenhout, Jaco Kriel and Van Heerden, respectively.
Lions: 15 Jaco Taute, 14 Deon van Rensburg, 13 Dylan Des Fountain, 12 Doppies la Grange, 11 James Kamana, 10 Burton Francis, 9 Michael Bondesio, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Joshua Strauss (captain), 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Michael Rhodes, 4 Wikus van Heerden/David Bulbring, 3 Jacobie Adriaanse, 2 Martin Bezuidenhout, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Replacements: 16 Bandise Maku, 17 Patric Cilliers, 18 Franco van der Merwe, 19 Derick Minnie, 20 Elton Jantjies, 21 Alwyn Hollenbach/Butch James, 22 Michael Killian.
Date: Saturday, October 15
Venue: Mr Price Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Jason Jaftha
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper, Christie du Preez
TMO: JC Fortuin
