Ferreira gets the nod against Bulls

 

In the forwards, Ackermann has made just two changes with Jacques van Rooyen starting at loosehead prop in place of Schalk van der Merwe – who is being rested for a slight neck strain.

 

Andries Ferreira, the former Cheetah, earns a starting berth at lock. Ferreira comes in to replace the injured Martin Muller who lasted just minutes after coming on as a replacement in the game against the Reds in Round Seven. 

 

Ackermann has also opted for consistency in the Lions backline, making just one change to his starting outfit. Anthony Volmink will earn his first Super Rugby start of the year having fully recovered from his long-term injury.

 

Lions: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Ruan Combrinck, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Ross Cronje, 8 Warren Whiteley (captain), 7 Warwick Tecklenburg, 6 Derick Minnie, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Andries Ferreira, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Robbie Coetzee, 1 Jacques van Rooyen.

Replacements: 16 Armand van der Merwe, 17 Corne Fourie, 18 Julian Redelinghuys, 19 Robert Kruger, 20 Jaco Kriel, 21 Francois de Klerk, 22 Marnitz Boshoff, 23 Howard Mnisi.

 

Date: Saturday, April 4

Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 GMT)

Referee: Staurt Berry

Assistant referees: Jason Jaftha, Stephan Geldenhuys

TMO: Shaun Veldsman