»Springbok and Blitzbok reinforcements for the Lions’ Challenge Cup duel in Paris«
Ivan van Rooyen has selected Springboks Jaco Kriel, Willem Alberts, and Andries Coetzee, as well as Blitzbok JC Pretorius, for the Lions’ encounter against Stade Francais on Saturday in Paris.
The Lions will continue their European Challenge Cup trip when they face the French team at the Stade Jean Bouin in Paris. Ellis Park will attempt to better its recent United Rugby Championship record against the Pink Army in order to remain unbeaten in the competition.
Pretorius will have his first taste of 15-man rugby for his franchise after being nominated to the Lions bench alongside former Paarl Boys student Rhynardt Rijnsburger, who is also expected to make his debut.
Kriel makes his comeback to the starting lineup on the open-side flank. Alberts is added to the roster as the No. 4 starter, replacing Ruan Venter.
In the absence of Jordan Hendrikse, who suffered an ankle injury against Munster last week, Gianni Lombard will start at flyhalf.
Andries Coetzee replaces Stean Pienaar at fullback, while Quan Horn moves to the wing to replace Stean Pienaar.
This European Challenge Cup match will begin at 15:00 South African time.
Lions team for Challenge Cup match in Paris: Andries Coetzee 15, Quan Horn 14, Henco van Wyk 13, Marius Louw 12. (captain), 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Emile van Heerden, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Willem Alberts, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 JP Smith.
Subs: 16 Michael van Vuuren, 17 Rhynardt Rijnsburger, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Ruhan Straeulis 20 Sibusiso Sangweni, 21 JC Pretorius, 22 Andre Warner, 23 Manuel Rass.
»Springbok and Blitzbok reinforcements for the Lions’ Challenge Cup duel in Paris«