The only change to the Lions run-on side to play defending Super 14 Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Friday is at centre, where Doppies le Grange, who is injured, has been replaced by new cap Walter Venter.
Lions coach Eugene Eloff has decided that outside centre Jaco Pretorius is fit enough to start.
However, despite selecting Louis Strydom (knee inflammation) at flyhalf, there are doubts that he will be fit in time.
If Strydom cannot play, Jaco van Schalkwyk will play at flyhalf, with Pumas flyhalf Rudi Vogt on the bench. If Strydom is fit, Van Schalkwyk will warm the bench.
Eloff said he hoped that, despite it being a derby, the match will provide some enterprising rugby. Captain Ernst Joubert was wary of the Bulls after their loss.
“They’re a good side, and always difficult after a loss,” the flanker said. He said he was not concerned with the Bulls’ problems regarding their suspensions and injuries.
“We’ll just focus on our own game.”
Lions team:
Louis Ludik, Dusty Noble, Jaco Pretorius, Walter Venter, Rayno Benjamin, Louis Strydom/Jaco van Schalkwyk, Jano Vermaak, Joe van Niekerk, Ernst Joubert (capt.), Cobus Grobbelaar, Willem Stoltz, Gerhard Mostert, Ross Geldenhuys, Willie Wepener, Heinke van der Merwe.
Replacements: Ethienne Reynecke, JC Janse van Rensburg, Anton van Zyl, Willem Alberts, Chris Jonck, Jaco van Schalkwyk/Rudi Vogt, Jannie Boshoff.
Sapa
