Lions reshuffle pack amid double Springbok blows
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have named their team to face Munster in the final United Rugby Championship pool match on Saturday at Thomond Park.
The Johannesburg outfit will head to Ireland determined to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
However, the side has suffered a double setback, with two Springboks unavailable for the clash.
Ruan Venter has returned to South Africa after sustaining a knee injury during last week’s clash against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.
Meanwhile, Asenathi Ntlabakanye will not be available due to his doping outcome. The Springbok has been handed an 18-month suspension and will also miss the 2027 World Cup.
Ntlabakanye has been replaced by Sebastian Lombard in the starting line-up, while Junior Bok sensation Batho Hlekani will fill the void left by Venter in the loose forwards.
Darrien Landsberg comes in for Etienne Oosthuizen in the second row.
Siba Qoma, Haashim Pead, and RF Schoeman are amongst the replacements on the bench.
Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horne, 7 Batho Hlekani, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Reinhard Nothnagel, 3 Sebastian Lombard, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze.
Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Siba Qoma, 21 JC Pretorius, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Rynhardt Jonker
Date: Saturday, May 16
Venue: Thomond Park, Limerick
Kick-off: 19.45 (20.45 SA time; 18.45 GMT)
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Keane Davison (Ireland) and Jonathan Erskine (Ireland)
TMO: Stefano Penne (Italy)
