Bone Collector back for French reunion

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Willem Alberts starts in a new-look Lions pack to face his former side Stade Francais in the Challenge Cup at Ellis Park on Friday.

Starting at lock, the Springbok heavyweight will face the team from Paris, where he spent five seasons.

Alberts pairs up with Pieter Jansen van Vuren, who also makes a return to the starting XV.

In the backs, SA Rugby Young Player of the Year nominee Henco van Wyk, returns from suspension while Quan Horn slots in at left wing.

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The Lions missed a last-minute penalty forcing them to settle for a draw against the Dragons last week, and backs coach Ricardo Loubscher – a former assistant at Stade Francais – said: “If you look at the Top 14 league, Stade Francais are well in the top four of the log, so we expect a very good side coming here on Friday night.

“Their kicking game is one designed to put teams under pressure, forcing one to make mistakes, so we’ll be prepared for that from a discipline point of view.

“Furthermore, they have a brilliant attacking game, good runners and a ten who is an outstanding goal-kicker coupled with a big boot. In saying that, we expect an exciting game from a team who can counter-attack from anywhere.

On the insight that Alberts and scrumhalf Andre Warner, who also had a stint at Stade Francais, bring to the table for Friday’s clash, Loubscher added: “We are fortunate to have both Willem and Andre who have played for Stade Francias.

“Their input has been valuable during the week so we look forward to capitalising on that intel.”

Photo: @THESTORMERS/Twitter

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Devin Hermanus