Lions change 14 for Challenge Cup opener

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has made 14 changes, and a positional switch, to his starting XV for their opening match in the Challenge Cup.

Nico Steyn will lead the Lions against Ospreys in Swansea on Sunday.

The only player who is in the same position as last week’s 10-17 United Rugby Championship loss to Munster is wing Richard Kriel.

Sam Francis makes his debut on the international stage, at flyhalf, after an impressive junior and senior domestic season.

Darrien Landsberg returns from injury to partner Etienne Oosthuizen in the second row.

Junior Springbok SJ Kotze is also in line for his international club debut.

Lions: 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Rynhardt Jonker, 11 Rabz Maxwane, 10 Sam Francis, 9 Nico Steyn (captain), 8 WJ Steenkamp, 7 Izan Esterhuizen, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Conrad van Vuuren, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Morgan Naudé.
Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Renzo du Plessis, 21 Ruhan Straeuli, 22 Sanele Nohamba, 23 Marius Louw.

Date: Sunday, December 8
Venue: Swansea Stadium
Kick-off: 15.15 (17.15 SA time; 15.15 GMT)
Referee: Kevin Bralley
Assistant referees: Vivien Praderie, Flavien Hourquet
TMO: Cedric Marchat