Lions change it up again for Bulls
Lions coach Johan Ackermann is continuing to mix it up, as his charges head into their third challenge match of the new year.
After naming a team that showed nine changes last week, Ackermann made six changes for Saturday's Gauteng Challenge encounter with the Bulls at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
The only consistent selections have been his props, loose forwards and midfield – with captain JC Janse van Rensburg, fellow prop Ruan Dreyer, No.8 Willie Britz, flank Derick Minnie, as well as centres Nicolaas Hanekom and Alwyn Hollenbach having featured in all three matches thus far.
The Lions opened their account with a 51-13 demolition of Russia and last week smashed the Cheetahs 33-17 in another fine display of their expansive game.
Ackermann on Thursday recalled star fullback Andries Coetzee, with Marnitz Boshoff moving to flyhalf – where he will be partnered by Michael Bondesio (No.9) in the halfback positions. The other backline change sees Deon Helberg return on the right wing in place of Ruhan Nel, who drops down to the replacement bench.
There could be a late change, with midfielder Alwyn Hollenbach facing a fitness test.
Ackermann also recalled locks Franco Mostert and Hendrik Roodt – with Hugo Kloppers and Gavin Annandale missing out.
Bulls import Warwick Tecklenberg is back on the bench, while Ross Cronje – who started at No.9 last week – drops to the bench.
Lions: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Deon Helberg, 13 Nicolaas Hanekom, 12 Alwyn Hollenbach, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Marnitz Boshoff, 9 Michael Bondesio, 8 Willie Britz, 7 Derick Minnie, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Hendrik Roodt, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Francois du Toit, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg (captain).
Replacements: 16 Robbie Coetzee, 17 Jacques van Rooyen, 18 JJ Breet, 19 Warwick Tecklenberg, 20 Ross Cronje, 21 Lionel Cronje, 22 Ruhan Nel.
Date: Saturday, February 2
Venue: Orlando Stadium, Soweto
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Sindile Mayende
