The Emirates Lions were dealt a heavy blow ahead of Saturday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship match against Edinburgh as they lost their captain Burger Odendaal.
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Odendaal and Jaco Visagie were both ruled out because of Covid protocols, because they were in close contact with someone who contracted Covid and need to be replaced.
Their loss is two of three changes made to the side by coach Ivan van Rooyen, who said they had no choice but to exclude the two veterans.
Odendaal has been in exceptional form and has been a big part of the team’s success at home in the past few weeks.
“Jaco and Burger were close contacts earlier in the week, so Covid protocols mean they needed to be away from the team to mitigate risk. They will be assessed on Monday next week,” Van Rooyen said.
Mannie Rass comes in for Odendaal in the midfield, while Visagie is replaced by PJ Botha. The other change sees veteran world traveller JP Smith start at loosehead in the place of Sti Sithole.
Junior Bok Henco van Wyk is on the bench and will make his debut if he gets onto the field.
The team will be captained by lock Reinhard Nothnagel.
Van Rooyen said they were wary of Edinburgh, who had now loaded their side with Scottish internationals.
“Edinburgh were successful last week, so they might fancy their chances up here. Likewise, we’ve had a string of positive results in recent weeks which has certainly motivated us.”
The Lions will want another win to continue their upward movement on the URC log.
Emirates Lions: Quan Horn, Rabz Maxwane, Wandisile Simelane, Mannie Rass, Edwill van der Merwe, Jordan Hendrikse, Morne van den Berg; Emmanuel Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka, Francke Horn, Reinhard Northnagel (captain), Ruben Schoeman, Carlu Sadie, PJ Botha, JP Smith.
Replacements: Morne Brandon, Ruan Dreyer, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruan Venter, Sibusiso Sangweni, Andre Warner, Henco van Wyk, Tiaan Swanepoel.
