Lions reveal new-look back row for Ospreys clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his team to face Ospreys in a United Rugby Championship Round 14 clash in Johannesburg on Friday.
It’s a new-look back row for the Lions with both Tshituka brothers, Emmanuel and Vincent, starting the match.
Emmanuel Tshituka takes over the No.8 jersey with Francke Horn shifting to the No.6 position.
The Burger Odendaal-led side sees Rabz Maxwane come in for Stean Pienaar, who picked up an injury against Munster last weekend.
Scrumhalf Andre Warner returns to the side from replacements’ bench.
Lions scrum coach Julian Redelinghuy emphasized earlier this week the importance of remaining in the process ahead of the Ospreys fixture.
“A two-game winning streak doesn’t really mean our season is back on track,” cautioned the Lions’ scrum guru.
“What we are trying to do at the moment is to stay positive and maintain our processes. Key for us is continuing the hard work and pay special attention to our preparations, ensuring we put ourselves in positions to put up good performances come game day.
“We need to look at the things we are doing well in and keep getting better at them. Coming from behind to beat Munster instilled a sense of belief within the camp and the whole vibe within the camp has been fantastic.”
Lions: 15 Quan Horn/Tiaan Swanepoel, 14 Sibahle Maxwane, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal (captain), 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Francke Horn, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie/Ruan Dreyer, 2 Gerrit Visagie, 1 Sithembiso Sithole.
Replacements: 16 Pieter Botha, 17 Jean-Pierre Smith, 18 Ruan Dreyer/Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Ruan Venter, 20 Sibusiso Sangweni, 21 Andre Warner, 22 Manuel Rass, 23 Tiaan Swanepoel/EW Viljoen.
Date: Friday, March 25
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 UK & Ireland time; 17.00 GMT)
Referee: Ben Blain (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Morne Ferreira (South Africa), Stephen Geldenhuys (South Africa)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
