Lions debut for Bok’s son in Cork

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Loose forward Emile van Heerden will make his debut for the Lions as one of several starting XV changes to face Munster at Musgrave Park on Friday.

Van Heerden, son of former Western Province and Springbok lock Fritz, starts at blindside flank in place of Ruan Venter, who shifts to the second row alongside Darrien Landsberg following the Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby defeat to the DHL Stormers last week.

Scrumhalf Morne van den Berg and wing Stean Pienaar are also included in the run-on side, in place of the injured Sanele Nohamba and Rabz Maxwane, respectively.

Elsewhere, hooker Michael van Vuuren gets his chance off the bench coupled with the experience of Willem Alberts and Andre Warner.

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The Lions will look to start their four-week tour off on a winning note in Cork, hoping to replicate similar performances which saw them bag three wins from as many matches overseas at the start of the 2022-23 URC season.

“Friday will be a good test for our guys against Munster on tour. The Munster pack has been in good form recently, so Friday will be an exciting challenge for this team especially the guys who’ll be getting an opportunity to feature,” assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys said.

“We all know you don’t grow when it’s easy, you grow when it’s tough, and Friday will be tough especially in these conditions away from home.

“Playing at Musgrave Park will be new for us as none of our current squad members have played there. In saying that, we tend to strive under the new and unknown so this will certainly be one of those.”

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images

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Devin Hermanus