JOHANNESBURG – Lions boss Swys de Bruin has backed the slayers of the Waratahs last week to do a similar job against the Reds when the teams meet in a Super Rugby match in Brisbane on Saturday.
The only change to the starting team that beat the Tahs 29-0 in Sydney is at centre where Rohan Janse van Rensburg replaces the injured Lionel Mapoe. The inclusion of the bulky Janse van Rensburg at 12 means Harold Vorster will run out at 13.
The rest of the same XV remains intact, but De Bruin has made some changes to his bench, bringing in prop Johannes Jonker, Cyle Brink and utility back Ashlon Davids. It’s a six forwards two backs split, something De Bruin said might be necessary to “soften up” the men from Brisbane.
“And Ashlon covers many positions among the backs so we’re okay there,” explained the coach.
De Bruin spoke in the week of the 2011 champions being a more physical team under coach Brad Thorn than they were in the past, hence the backing of his forwards to get the job done at the weekend.
The Lions will be full of confidence after their mauling of the Waratahs last weekend and they’ll be keen to bag the fullhouse of points knowing they still have to travel to New Zealand and play against the Hurricanes and Highlanders.
The Lions currently lead the way in the points table, while the Reds are outside the top 10 having won just three times in eight outings this season.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 7am SA time.
The Lions team is:
Andries Coetzee, Ruan Combrinck, Harold Vorster, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Madosh Tambwe, Elton Jantjies, Dillon Smit, Hacjivah Dayimani, Franco Mostert (capt), Kwagga Smith, Marvin Orie, Andries Ferreira, Ruan Dreyer, Malcolm Marx, Jacques van Rooyen.
Replacements: Robbie Coetzee, Dylan Smith, Johannes Jonker, Lourens Erasmus, Cyle Brink, Marnus Schoeman, Nic Groom, Ashlon Davids