Emirate Lions without Kriel for Sharks Clash

Feb 19 • General News, Super Rugby • 2495 Views • Comments Off on Emirate Lions without Kriel for Sharks Clash

Photo: Anton Geyser

Emirates Lions head coach Johan Ackermann has named his team to face the Cell C Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

The forwards see several changes as Jacques van Rooyen comes in at loosehead prop. Hence, Schalk van der Merwe shifts to the bench to provide cover. Additionally, Jaco Kriel has been withdrawn due to the recurrence of a groin injury. As a result, Derick Minnie will start at left flanker and Warwick Tecklenburg is called up to the starting line-up to fill the right flank berth.

There have been absolutely no changes to the starting Emirates Lions backline for this match.

Meanwhile, on the wood, both Robbie Coetzee and Julian Redelinghuys have recovered from their respective injuries and have been called up to cover the hooker and prop berths respectively.

Twenty-year-old lock JP du Preez will look to make his Vodacom Super Rugby debut should he get a run off the wood. Additionally, Ruaan Lerm will provide loose-forward cover and is also a potential debutant.

Centre Harold Vorster has been drafted in and will also make his Vodacom Super Rugby debut should he play on Saturday. All three of these players have worked their way through the Golden Lions junior ranks.

Kick-off is at 19h10 local time.

15. Andries Coetzee
14. Ruan Combrinck
13. Lionel Mapoe
12. Howard Mnisi
11. Courtnall Skosan
10. Marnitz Boshoff
9. Ross Cronje
8. Warren Whiteley (c)
7. Warwick Tecklenburg
6. Derick Minnie
5. Franco Mostert
4. Martin Muller
3. Ruan Dreyer
2. Malcolm Marx
1. Jacques van Rooyen

16. Robbie Coetzee
17. Schalk van der Merwe
18. Julian Redelinghuys
19. JP du Preez
20. Ruaan Lerm
21. Faf de Klerk
22. Elton Jantjies
23. Harold Vorster