Wing Boldwin Hansen will make a welcome return to a youthful Lions lineup in Wednesday’s derby clash with the Vodacom Bulls in the Currie Cup.

Hansen, who last featured for the Lions’ 43-31 defeat by the Sharks on 19 February, will run out at No 14 for the hosts at Ellis Park. Lindo Ncusane will also start, joining Mark Snyman and Cal Smid in the back row.

The Lions remain winless after five matches, but coach Mziwakhe Nkosi says this year’s competition has been more about giving young players an opportunity to play top-flight rugby.

“History has shown time and time again that the Currie Cup has earned many players call-ups to international club competitions and national honours,” he said. “We’ve consistently backed our youngsters within our system, and this is something we’ve been bold about from the start of our campaign. 

“We’ll be up for it against a very good Bulls side. There are a few guys in the match 23 who’ll be eager to impress and make the most of the opportunity.”

Lions – 15 EW Viljoen, 14 Boldwin Hansen, 13 James Mollentze, 12 Luke Rossouw, 11 Zeilinga Strydom, 10 James Tedder, 9 Ginter Smuts, 8 Cal Smid, 7 Lindo Ncusane, 6 Mark Snyman, 5 Simon Dinisio, 4 Lunga Ncube, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye (c), 2 Morne Brandon, 1 Kayden Kiewit.
Subs: 16 Ebot Buma, 17 Jacque-Lois du Toit, 18 Kabous Bezuidenhout, 19 Connor van Buuren, 20 Sasko Ndlovu, 21 Jurich Claasens, 22 Tyler Bocks, 23 Fred Zeilinga.