Bok returns to familiar position as Lions get second row boost
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have revealed their team that will take on Leinster in Round 17 of the United Rugby Championship in Dublin.
The much-anticipated clash between third-placed Lions and fourth-placed Leinster will be intense as both sides fight for maximum points in the Race to the Eight, with home play-off spots on the line.
Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen opted for a settled match 23, showing faith in the players who have done the job for him over the last three months, thereby unleashing new stars in the process.
Hard-man Etienne Oosthuizen returns to the second row after missing out against Connacht, meaning Springbok Ruan Venter returns to the familiar number 7 jersey.
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The tournament’s leading point scorer Chris Smith will be tasked with bossing matters at the Aviva alongside the energetic Morne van den Berg.
Centre turned wing Erich Cronje finds himself swapping positions with fellow flyer Angelo Davids – the former starting on the right wing on Saturday.
Saturday also sees Lions centre Richard Kriel reach his 50th international match for the club.
Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Erich Cronje, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horne, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze.
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Sebastian Lombard, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 JC Pretorius, 22 Nico Steyn, 23 Kelly Mpeku.
Date: Saturday, May 9
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 17.30 (18.30 SA time; 16.30 GMT)
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Keane Davison (Ireland) and Stuart Gaffikin (Ireland)
TMO: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland)
