Lions to give Franco winning send off
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The Lions most experienced player, Franco van der Merwe, has been thrust straight back into action after a severe ankle injury in Round Six.
Coach Johan Ackermann is clearly pleased to have his Springbok lock back in the fold before he departs for Ulster at the culmination of the Lions' Super Rugby season.
"It is great to have him back, because he is a player with plenty of experience," Ackermann told rugby365
"He also brings strong leadership to the side.
"Franco [Van der Merwe] is leaving us, but it is great that he gets to finish off the season as an active player rather than an injured man.
"We are looking to send him off on a high note by beating both the Rebels and Cheetahs."
The Lions have already achieved five victories for their season so far, equaling their best ever season of 2007.
They will be looking for another victory or two against their final opponents to make it their most successful season since becoming the Lions in 2006.
Van der Merwe joins newly capped Springbok Marnitz Boshoff in the starting line-up.
In the forwards, Ackermann has opted largely for consistency, selecting the same front row and loose trio that faced the Bulls before the June Test break.
Meanwhile, in the backline, Anthony Volmink will start at left wing, while Deon van Rensburg covers the right wing berth.
On the bench Ackermann can call on another Springbok flyhalf in the departing Elton Jantjies.
While another experienced player, Derick Minnie, looks to make an impact as a replacement.
Lions: 15 Coenie van Wyk, 14 Deon van Rensburg, 13 Nicolaas Hanekom, 12 Alwyn Hollenbach, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Marnitz Boshoff, 9 Ross Cronje, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Warwick Tecklenburg, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Franco Mostert, 3 Julian Redelinghuys, 2 Robbie Coetzee, 1 Schalk van der Merwe.
Replacments: 16 Armand van der Merwe, 17 Jacques van Rooyen/Corne Fourie, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Willie Britz, 20 Derick Minnie, 21 Francois de Klerk, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 Lionel Mapoe.
Date: Friday, July 4
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT; 03.10 Saturday AEST)
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant referees: Stuart Berry, Cobus Wessels
TMO: Johan Greeff
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