Scrumhalf Andre Warner will captain a Lions team that has been boosted by a trio of senior front rankers in the Currie Cup match against Griquas at Wits University on Thursday.
As the Lions look to break a seven-match losing run, coach Mziwakhe Nkosi has named a starting lineup including props JP Smith and Carlu Sadie, and hooker Jaco Visagie, who recently signed a new deal with the union.
Sibusiso Sangweni has joined Sasko Ndlovu and Jarod Cairns in the back row, while Warner will start and captain the team from scrumhalf.
Henco van Wyk, who scored his first Vodacom United Rugby Championship try against the Sharks, starts in midfield alongside James Mollentze, while the Lions have also fielded Tiaan Swanepoel at fullback.
Nkosi will be able to call on the experience of Jannie du Plessis and Fred Zeilinga from the bench.
The match, originally scheduled to be played at Ellis Park on the weekend, will be held at Wits University on Thursday at 2pm.
Lions – 15 Tiaan Swanepoel, 14 Boldwin Hansen, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 James Mollentze, 11 Zeilinga Strydom, 10 Luke Rossouw, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Jarod Cairns, 7 Sibusiso Sangweni, 6 Sasko Ndlovu, 5 Cal Smid, 4 Junior White, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 JP Smith.
Subs: 16 Darnell Osowagu, 17 Banele Mthenjane, 18 Jannie du Plessis, 19 Henk Gouws, 20 Lindo Ncusane, 21 Jurich Classens, 22 Fred Zeilinga, 23 Ngia Selengbe.
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— Griquas Rugby (@GriquasRugby) April 13, 2022
Photo: Gallo Images
