Johannesburg - Johan Ackermann has opted to leave Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx on the bench for his team’s Currie Cup “quarter-final” against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Friday.
Marx, who earned his first Bok cap against New Zealand two weeks ago, was released by the national squad on Monday and made available to play Currie Cup rugby this weekend. The 22-year-old has, however, been picked on the bench for the Lions’ final round-robin fixture against the Sharks; the winner set to advance to the semi-finals in two weeks time. The loser on Friday will be out of the running.
Ackermann will instead rely on Robbie Coetzee at hooker, a player who himself was on the brink of national selection a few years ago before he was struck down by injury. Coetzee will pack down in a front row also consisting of props Ruan Dreyer, who replaces Julian Redelinghuys, and Dylan Smith.
Marx, no doubt hurt by his omission from the Bok squad just a week after making his debut, will be asked to make a big impact off the bench.
Also back in the Lions side are fullback Andries Coetzee and No 9 Ross Cronje, who didn’t start against the EP Kings last weekend, while Rohan Janse van Rensburg swaps places with Howard Mnisi.
Rookie centre Janse van Rensburg, so impressive in the Super Rugby competition, will be keen to find his form again after battling to hit the heights he reached a few months ago. The fact national coach Allister Coetzee spoke about him on Monday when discussing the Bok centres may serve as a boost for the young powerhouse.
“He’s on the radar,” said Coetzee about Janse van Rensburg, “and he’ll get his opportunity when the time is right.”
Kwagga Smith, who captained the Lions for the first time in the big win over the Kings last week, looks set to remain the man in charge for the rest of the competition.
Lions: Andries Coetzee, Koch Marx, Jacques Nel, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Anthony Volmink, Jaco van der Walt, Ross Cronje, Ruaan Lerm, Ruan Ackermann, Kwagga Smith (capt), Bobby de Wee, JP du Preez, Ruan Dreyer, Robbie Coetzee, Dylan Smith. Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Jacques van Rooyen, Fabian Booysen, Cyle Brink, Dillon Smit, Howard Mnisi, Sylvian Mahuza
Independent Media