Hendrikse hits Lions milestone
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions host current title-holders Munster in Round 15 of the United Rugby Championship at Ellis Park this Saturday.
Fresh from their 44-12 victory against Leinster last week Saturday, the men from downtown Johannesburg are hoping to replicate that performance against another Irish side basking from their win against the Bulls at Loftus.
A victory for the Lions on Saturday would place Ivan van Rooyen’s men in a favourable position as they continue to chase a play-off spot, with only four regular league games remaining for the season.
Jordan Hendrikse runs out for his 50th international match for the Lions from the fullback position, replacing the injured Quan Horn who suffered a shoulder niggle during the week.
The side will also be without star centre Henco van Wyk for the rest of the season due to an injury he picked up against Leinster.
A welcome return for Ruan Venter to the match 23 as well as Gianni Lombard who covers at flyhalf and fullback.
Lions: 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Marius Louw (captain), 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Sanele Nohamba, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Willem Alberts, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Morgan Naudé.
Replacements: 16 PJ Botha, 17 JP Smith, 18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Ruan Venter, 21 Sibusiso Sangweni, 22 Nico Steyn, 23 Gianni Lombard
Date: Saturday, April 27
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT; 16.00 Ireland & UK time)
Referee: Craig Evans (Wales)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa) and Dylen November (South Africa)
TMO: Adam Jones (Wales)
