Lions bring in attacking flair for Stormers
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions named their team to face the Stormers in the Round 18 clash of the United Rugby Championship at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Veteran Willem Alberts will captain the Joburg franchise in Saturday’s must-win match.
A win could see the Lions book a play-off spot for the first time.
In the backline, Sanele Nohamba returns to the starting XV at flyhalf. The utility back partners with Morne dan den Berg as the halfback combination.
Nohamba takes the spot of Giani Lombard, who goes to the bench.
Sharks-bound back Jordan Hendrikse retain the 12 jersey.
Izan Esterhuizen replaces Ruan Venter on the bench.
Venter was not considered for selection due to suspension.
Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Jordan Hendrikse, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Sanela Nogambe, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Willem Alberts (captain), 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Morgan Naudé.
Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 JP Smith, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Etienne Oosthuizen, 20 Reinhard Nothnagel, 21 Izan Esterhuizen, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Gianni Lombard
Date: Saturday, June 1
Venue: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 13.45 (11.45 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Griffin Colby (South Africa) and Hanru van Rooyen (South Africa)
TMO: Christi du Preez (South Africa)
