Coetzee boost for Lions
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Andries Coetzee will get his first start of the season when he runs out at fullback for the Lions against the Crusaders in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The talented 23-year-old, who was on loan with the Sharks last season but only managed to play one game because of injury, replaces the injured Coenie van Wyk (knee) and is one of three personnel changes that Lions coach Johan Ackermann has made to his side for the clash with the Crusaders.
Coetzee has been playing for the Lions Vodacom Cup side in recent weeks after his comeback from a knee ligament injury, but will get his first taste of Super Rugby action on Saturday.
The other alterations in the backline see Lionel Mapoe coming into the starting line-up to take the outside centre spot, which moves Deon van Rensburg to right wing and JW Jonker dropping down to the replacements bench.
In the only change to the pack, former Stormers and Cheetahs lock Martin Muller will make his Lions Super Rugby debut when he starts at lock to replace the injured Franco van der Merwe.
Elton Jantjies returns to the matchday 23, via the replacements bench, after getting some game time playing Vodacom Cup rugby in recent weeks.
19 year-old former SA Schools hooker Malcolm Marx could make his Super Rugby debut from the bench after he has recovered from injury
Warwick Tecklenburg is also fit again and replaces Stephan de Wit on the bench as loose forward cover.
Lions: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Deon van Rensburg, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Stefan Watermeyer, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Marnitz Boshoff, 9 Francois de Klerk, 8 Warren Whiteley (captain), 7 Willie Britz, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Martin Muller, 4 Franco Mostert, 3 Julian Redelinghuys, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Schalk van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Corne Fourie, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Luvuyiso Lusaseni, 20 Warwick Tecklenburg, 21 Ross Cronje, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 JW Jonker.
Date: Saturday, April 5
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 GMT; 03.05, Sunday April 6 NZ time)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Lourens van der Merwe (South Africa), Jaco van Heerden (South Africa)
TMO: Johan Greeff (South Africa)
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