Veteran Springbok fullback Andries Coetzee makes a welcome return to the Emirates Lions sidethey prepare to start their Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign with a home game against neighbours, the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday.
Coetzee slots in his regular fullback slot with last season’s rising star Quan Horn moving to left wing to bolster a strong back three that includes try-scoring sensation Edwill van der Merwe.
The Lions have gone with their strongest line-up and included Marius Louw, their acquisition from the Sharks in the midfield with SA under-20 star Henco van Wyk in a backline that can certainly cause some damage.
Jordan Hendrikse and Morne van den Berg are the halfbacks with Sanele Nohamba covering on the bench and a return for Gianni Lombard on the bench as well.
Up front Sti Sithole anchors a front row with PJ Botha and Ruan Dreyer while Reinhardt Nothnagel captains the side from the second row, combining with Ruan Venter in the engine room.
Francke Horne is at eight with the impressive Sibusiso Sangweni, who scored two tries in the pre-season game against the Sharks, on the side of the scrum. Ruhan Straeuli is the third member of the loose trio.
Jaco Visagie and the two well-travelled Smith brothers, Ruan and JP are on the bench for an impact in the second half, while the Lions acquisition from Griquas, the big boot of Zander du Plessis is also on the bench.
Emirates Lions: Andries Coetzee, Edwill van der Merwe, Henco van Wyk, Marius Louw, Quan Horn, Jordan Hendrikse, Morne van den Berg; Francke Horn, Ruhan Straeuli, Sibusiso Sangweni, Reinhardt Nothnagel (captain), Ruan Venter, Ruan Dreyer, PJ Botha, Sti Sithole.
Replacements: Jaco Visagie, JP Smith, Ruan Smith, Pieter Jansen van Vuren, Emmanuel Tshituka, Sanele Nohamba, Gianni Lombard, Zander du Plessis.