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New midfield mix for Lions

By Online Editors
Thursday 10 Oct 2013

Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann has made some interesting changes to his side to take on Griquas at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Apart from the obvious change, which sees veteran lock Franco van der Merwe returns for Currie Cup duty after making his Springbok debut against the All Blacks last week, it is in midfield where the most noteworthy selection has been made.

Andries Coetzee shifts from fullback to inside centre in place of Lionel Cronjé and Chrysander Botha switch from right wing to fullback.

Deon Helberg will feature in the No.14 jersey vacated by Botha's shift to No.15.

"Andries has showed that he can attack, he is surprisingly strong, he has a good step and he is good in contact," Ackermann said at the team announcement in Johannesburg on Thursday.

"We've seen this weekend that the 12 channel is targeted, so we needed someone that is more in the face there."

In the forwards, Jacques van Rooyen moves in to the starting side at loosehead.

Willie Wepener is also promoted from the bench at hooker and Julian Redelinghuys will start at tighthead.

Last week's starting hooker, Robbie Coetzee, drops down to the bench – where he will be joined by Jacobus Roux as front row cover.

Ruan Dreyer and Jaco Kriel drop out of the matchday 22, while Willie Britz and Lionel Cronjé will play off the bench.

Lambert Groenewald will provide lock cover off the bench, with Hugo Kloppers missing out.

Golden Lions: 15 Chrysander Botha, 14 Deon Helberg, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Andries Coetzee, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Marnitz Boshoff, 9 Michael Bondesio, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Derick Minnie (captain), 6 Warwick Tecklenburg, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Chris van Zyl, 3 Julian Redelinghuys, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Jacques van Rooyen.

Replacements: 16 Robbie Coetzee, 17 Jacobus Roux, 18 Lambert Groenewald, 19 Willie Britz, 20 Ross Cronje, 21 Lionel Cronje, 22 Kobus de Kock.

Date: Saturday, October 12

Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)

Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Referee: Jaco Peyper

Assistant referees : Lourens van der Merwe, Sieg van Staden

TMO: Johan Greeff

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