Lions coach reveals his Bok hand for Cardiff showdown

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his team to face Cardiff at Arms Park on Friday

The team is boosted by the return of Springboks Ruan Venter and Quan Horn, who both feature in the starting XV.

Also back in the frame is explosive centre Henco van Wyk who will undoubtedly provide impact from the bench.

The Lions mentor has also opted for JC Pretorius in the No.6 jumper. He missed his team’s previous fixture due to a niggle picked up in training.

Junior Springbok Nico Steyn starts in the scrumhalf position in place of Springbok Morne van Berg, who misses out due to a finger injury suffered a fortnight ago against the Sharks.

Scrumhalf Layton Horn will be in line for his international franchise debut if given the opportunity.

The bench also boasts the likes of Siba Qoma and Jarod Cairns. They were some of the standout performers against the Sharks in Durban two weeks ago.

Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Francke Horn (captain), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Juan Schoeman.
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Siba Qoma, 21 Layton Horn, 22 Jarod Cairns, 23 Henco van Wyk.

Date: Friday, March 21
Venue: Arms Park, Cardiff.
Kick-off: 19.35 (21.35 SAST; 19.35 GMT)
Referee: Federico Vedovelli (Italy)
Assistant referees: Adam Jones (Wales), Aaron Parry (Wales)
TMO: Stefano Roscini Italy)