Alberts back for Lions

Former Springbok utility forward Willem Alberts is back in the Emirates Lions starting side to face the Melbourne Rebels in their Vodacom Super Rugby outing on Saturday morning.

Alberts is one of three changes to the side, with exciting former SA under-20 midfielder Wandisile Simelane also in the team while hooker Pieter Jansen returns to the starting line-up as well.

With the injury to Vincent Tshituka, who underwent surgery this week back in Johannesburg on his ankle, Alberts’ inclusion was a no-brainer for the Lions, and it is hoped the veteran Bok will be able to inspire the team after a poor start with three losses in their opening four games this year.

Simelane is a strange case, especially as he missed out on the opening two games because he “was getting himself ready for when his chance comes,” as coach Ivan van Rooyen put it, while rumours of his fitness and contractual issues swirled.

But in the past few weeks, it has become apparent that he is someone that the Bok management are interested in, and he was included on the bench last weekend in the loss against the Waratahs and now elevated to the starting line-up this week.

Mannie Ras drops out of the match day squad altogether as Shaun Reynolds and Courtnal Skosan come onto the bench for the clash.

Assistant coach Warren Whiteley said the team is expecting a big game from Alberts this weekend.

“He has been huge for us, and is a guy who lifts the spirits and often cracks a few jokes. He has been quality and has made a massive difference in our group. He is passionate about this team and we are excited to get a run and make it count. Really excited to see what he has to offer this weekend,” Whiteley said.

He added that the pressure is on, but not necessarily more than before this season.

“There is always pressure, in Super Rugby every single week you face a quality side and regardless what happened the previous week there will always be pressure.”

“On tour we have enjoyed ourselves and come closer together as a team. We worked hard this week on the one or two areas we were not good last weekend.”

The Lions will head off to New Zealand after this weekend for the last two games of their tour.

Emirates Lions: Andries Coetzee, Tyrone Green, Wandisile Simelane, Dan Kriel, Jamba Ulengo, Elton Jantjies (capt), Andre Warner; Len Massyn, Willem Alberts, Marnus Schoeman, Marvin Orie, Ruben Schoeman, Carlu Sadie, Pieter Jansen, Dylan Smith.

Reserves: Jan-Henning Campher, Sti Sithole, Jannie du Plessis, Wilhelm van der Sluys, Hacjivah Dayimani, Morne van den Berg, Shaun Reynolds, Courtnal Skosan.