Lions look to keep momentum at Loftus against Bulls
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions make the journey to Pretoria for Round 6 of the United Rugby Championship, where they will take on the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The Jozi side will carry plenty of confidence into this historic clash after back-to-back victories at Ellis Park, including the notable toppling of Irish giants Ulster, who were unbeaten in the competition until that point.
In team news, Eduan Keyter and Kelly Mpeku slot in on the left and right wings, respectively, with Angelo Davids missing out.
Loosehead prop Edward Davids is in line to make his Lions debut after joining on loan from Currie Cup champions Griquas.
Flanker Siba Qoma returns to the bench following a lengthy injury layoff.
The Lions will be tested in terms of squad depth, with ten players currently sidelined. Among them is dynamic loose forward JC Pretorius, who remains out after sustaining a knee injury in October.
His absence continues to be felt, particularly at the breakdown and in open-field play.
Adding to the selection challenges, scrumhalf Morne van den Berg is unavailable due to international commitments with the Springboks.
Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Eduan Keyter, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Francke Horn (captain), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Jarod Cairns, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 RF Schoeman, 2 Franco Marai, 1 SJ Kotze.
Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Edward Davids, 18 Conrad van Vuuren, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Renzo du Plessis, 21 Sibabalo Qoma, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Gianni Lombard
Date: Saturday, November 29
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Kick-off: 14.00 (12.00 GMT)
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Griffin Colby (South Africa) and Sean Muller (South Africa)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)
