Jantjies starts for reshuffled Lions
Springbok Elton Jantjies will make his long-awaited return to the Lions team, for their Super Rugby trip to Durban.
The Lions will meet the high-flying Sharks in a Round Four match at Kings Park on Saturday.
Jantjies will start a flyhalf, having fully recovered from his off-season shoulder surgery.
His return has resulted in a major reshuffle of the backline.
Marnitz Boshoff moves from No.10 to the last line of defence, fullback, with Chrysander Botha moving from No.15 to the left wing.
Ruan Combrinck moves across from No.11 to the right wing.
Deon van Rensburg in turn moves from right wing to outside centre, with Jacobus Jonker dropping down to the replacement bench.
In the forwards coach Johan Ackermann has opted largely for consistency, making just one change in the front row.
Willie Wepener comes into the starting line-up at hooker berth, with Robbie Coetzee dropping down to the bench.
On the bench Corne Fourie has earned selection and will look to make his Super Rugby debut on Saturday.
Lions: 15 Marnitz Boshoff, 14 Ruan Combrinck, 13 Deon van Rensburg, 12 Stefan Watermeyer, 11 Chrysander Botha, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Warren Whiteley (captain), 7 Warwick Tecklenburg, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Franco Mostert, 3 Julian Redelinghuys, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Schalk van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Robbie Coetzee, 17 Corne Fourie, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 MB Lusaseni, 20 Willie Britz, 21 Ross Cronje, 22 Jacobus Jonker, 23 Coenie van Wyk.
Date: Saturday, March 8
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Stuart Berry (South Africa), Cobus Wessels (South Africa)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
