Lions receive double Bok boost for Glasgow
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions received a timely boost in the form of two returning Springboks for their United Rugby Championship Round 15 clash against Glasgow Warriors.
Scrumhalf Morne van den Berg returns to the starting line-up from a leg injury alongside prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who missed out against the Dragons due to his disciplinary hearing for an alleged doping violation.
There’s also a return for livewire flanker JC Pretorius and winger Kelly Mpeku, who will make an impact off the bench.
Ivan van Rooyen opted for a six-two forward-heavy replacements bench with Nico Steyn and Mpeku listed as the backs.
Richard Kriel shifts to inside centre in place of the injured Bronson Mills.
Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Erich Cronje, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (captain), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Edward Davids, 18 Sebastian Lombard, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 JC Pretorius, 22 Nico Steyn, Kelly Mpeku
Date: Saturday, April 18
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 16.00 SAST (15.00 BST; 14.00 GMT)
Referee: Peter Martin (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Griffin Colby (South Africa), Dylen November (South Africa)
TMO: Eoghan Cross (Ireland)
*Players unavailable due to injury: Bronson Mills, Izan Esterhuizen, Juan Schoeman, Layton Horn, Morgan Naudé, RF Schoeman, Stian de Bruyn