Nohamba gets pivot role against former team
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have named their team that will face the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship Round Eight clash on Saturday at Kings Park.
Fresh from a three-week break, the Lions will be out to extend their four-match winning when they head to Durban.
The Johannesburg side will be captained by Marius Louw, while Sanele Nohamba dons the flyhalf jersey.
The pair will be hoping for a positive result against their former side at the Shark Tank.
Ivan van Rooyen’s team received a double boost with Ruben Schoeman and Reinhard Northagel available for the squad.
Schoeman returns to the starting line-up after his three-week suspension for foul play during the 49-24 win over the Dragons in Round Seven of the competition.
Lock Nothnagel returns to the match 23 after a lengthy period on the sidelines due to an ankle and wrist injury.
Unfortunately for the Johannesburg side, the Lions will be without Willem Alberts.
The Springbok suffered a pectoral muscle injury in training this week.
Van Rooyen has opted for JP Smith, PJ Bother and Asenathi Ntlabakanye in the front row.
The second row sees rising star Darrien Landsberg partner with Schoeman.
The loose trio consist of No.8 Francke Horn with Emmanuel Tshituka and Ruan Venter at openside and blindside.
Morné van den Berg gets the nod at scrumhalf, combining with Nohamba as the halfback combination.
The midfield is covered by Louw and Henco van Wyk and the back three sees Quan Horn at fullback, and Edwill van der Merwe and Richard Kriel at wings.
Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Marius Louw (captain), 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Sanele Nohamba, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Emmanuel Tshituka, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 JP Smith.
Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 Morgan Naude, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Reinhard Nothnager, 20 Hanru Sirgel, 21 JC Pretorius, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Rynhardt Jonker.
Date: Saturday, January 6
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referees: Morne Ferreira
Assistant Referees: Cwengile Jadezweni & Stephan Geldenhuys
TMO: Quinton Immelman
