Lions bolster bench for Griquas clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions welcome back some experienced players for their Super Rugby Unlocked clash against Griquas on Friday.
In the starting line-up, Elton Jantjies will captain the Lions during their first home game of the season at Ellis Park
The Springboks flyhalf Jantjies made a full recovery after his injury scare last week when he sustained a grade 1 calf injury during training.
The starting line-up sees Gianni Lombard in the number 15 jersey while Stean Pienaar and Courtnall Skosan will patrol the side-lines at wing.
Wandisile Simelane will join forces with Dan Kriel at the centre.
In the pack, MJ Pelser gets the nod as for the number 6 jumper.
On the bench Springboks Jannie du Plessis, Jaco Kriel and Ross Cronjé are some of the big names set to make their first run of the Super Rugby Unlocked season.
Lions: 15 Gianni Lombard; 14 Stean Pienaar, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Courtnall Skosan; 10 Elton Jantjies (captain), 9 Morné van den Berg; 8 Len Massyn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 MJ Pelser, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sti Sithole.
Replacments: 16 PJ Botha, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18 Jannie du Plessis, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Jaco Kriel, 21 Ross Cronjé, 22 Burger Odendaal, 23 Tiaan Swanepoel.
Date: Friday, October 30
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron, Stuart Berry
TMO: Jaco Peyper